What is a functional fixedness?
Gestalt Psychological term functional fixation refers to the degree of rigid definitions that people give objects, making it difficult to perceive these objects as ownership functions outside their definition. Basically, previously understanding the thing to have a specific purpose, it may disrupt its viewing in a different way, but also benefit the shortcut process of determining what is. For example, one can recognize a tennis ball, but it does not have to see it as a good masseur of the back or as a way to prevent the dog from whining. Most adults show this prejudice that limits the whole solution to the problem. On the other hand, younger children show less this tendency and it is likely that the problem will be solved in much more creative ways.
functional fixedness is almost always explained in relation to objects. The question is often as to whether people can see their predetermined idea of what the object makes creatively use in another way. Some have a proposed that previous multiple uses of an object can do tosome extent to interrupt functional fixedness. A piece of grass can be something that one mole or withdrawals can create a great whistle for those who have learned to whistle on the grass. Thus, the degree of strength can depend on the functions that one has allocated something in the past, but they are probably limited.
It is not that functional fixedness is necessarily poor. This tendency helps shortcuts of thinking. The person does not have to choose a whole set of tools to find the best tool for inserting a nail into the wall. He can only pick up a hammer that saves a lot of time.
It is interesting that children show much less functional strength than adults. They are likely to explore the capacity and use of the object. At some point, this changes, especially because adults can rectify them repeatedly. Definitions will become fixed.
One of the other ways in which functional fixation can be used is evaluation of how people act for a particularh recognizable circumstances. They can fix their behavior in situations that seem to be known, such as fighting with a wife or an unpleasant moment at work. In these cases, the problem solution may also be limited and the person does not have to recognize a wide range of behavior or reactions that could be used instead.
In most cases, this well -recognized concept creates an argument for larger experiments or what would be called "thinking outside the box". Individuals are encouraged to open their minds with new definitions of how to use things and solve problems, and this can generate creativity. For this purpose, many teachers offer lessons that require people to leave functional strength, and this can instruct the assumptions and problems of problems at several different levels. The Gestalt therapist can also point to clients who are in whites that they limit their creativity or the ability to manage complex problems through strict definitions.