Discuss the functional fixedness obstacle in problem-solving.

Functional fixedness is the tendency to see objects only in their traditional or intended uses, hindering problem-solving.

This cognitive bias can prevent individuals from considering alternative uses for objects or tools, limiting their ability to find creative solutions to problems. For example, if someone is tasked with attaching a piece of paper to a wall but only has a stapler and no staples, they may struggle to find a solution if they are fixated on the stapler's traditional use of attaching paper with staples. However, if they were able to think outside the box and use the stapler as a weight to hold the paper against the wall, they would have successfully overcome the obstacle of functional fixedness.

Functional fixedness can also occur with mental concepts, such as when individuals are unable to see a problem from a different perspective or approach it with a different mindset. This can lead to a lack of creativity in problem-solving and a reliance on familiar solutions, even if they are not the most effective.

To overcome functional fixedness, individuals can practice divergent thinking, which involves generating multiple solutions to a problem and considering alternative uses for objects or tools. This can be achieved through brainstorming, mind mapping, or simply taking a step back and approaching the problem from a different angle. By expanding their perspective and considering all possibilities, individuals can overcome functional fixedness and find innovative solutions to problems.