What is functional fixedness in the context of problem-solving?

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that hinders problem-solving by restricting an individual's perception of an object's use to its conventional or most common function. This means that when faced with a problem that requires creative thinking or the application of an object in a novel way, a person with functional fixedness may struggle because they see the object as limited to its traditional role. For example, if someone needs to use a hammer to crack open a nut, they might overlook the possibility of using the flat end of the hammer or another object's alternative use because they are fixed on the hammer's standard function of driving nails.

This cognitive limitation can prevent individuals from engaging in flexible thinking and exploring innovative solutions to problems. Recognizing the broader potential of objects can lead to more effective problem-solving strategies and outcomes. In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of functional fixedness—overanalyzing problems, relying on intuition, or challenges with heuristics don’t specifically reflect the context of becoming limited by an object's perceived function.