functional fixedness

(noun)

When the intended purpose of an object hinders a person's ability to see its potential other uses.

Related Terms

  • availability heuristic
  • mental set
  • Problem

Examples of functional fixedness in the following topics:

  • Problem-Solving

    • The way we solve problems can be influenced by algorithms, heuristics, intuition, insight, confirmation bias, and functional fixedness.
    • These spontaneous decisions are often associated with functional fixedness, confirmation bias, insight and intuition phenomenology, heuristics, and algorithms.
    • Functional fixedness concerns the solution of object-use problems.
    • Some of these mental processes include functional fixedness, confirmation bias, insight and intuition phenomenology, heuristics, and algorithms.
    • Examine how algorithms, heuristics, intuition, insight, confirmation bias, and functional fixedness can influence judgment and decision making.
  • Problem Solving

    • It is considered the most complex of all intellectual functions, since it is a higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of basic skills.
    • Functional fixedness is a special type of mental set that occurs when the intended purpose of an object hinders a person's ability to see its potential other uses.
  • Executive Function and Control

    • The executive system is a theoretical cognitive system that manages the processes of executive function.
    • The major frontal structures involved in executive function are:
    • Executive-function development corresponds to the development of the growing brain; as the processing capacity of the frontal lobes (and other interconnected regions) increases, the core executive functions emerge.
    • In adolescence, these functions all become better integrated as they continue developing.
    • The different parts of the prefrontal cortex are vital to executive function.
  • The Central Nervous System (CNS)

    • The CNS is mainly devoted to the "information synthesizing" function.
    • the temporal lobe, which controls hearing and some other speech functions.
    • Its main function is maintaining coordination throughout the body.
    • The pons houses the control centers for respiration and inhibitory functions.
    • Spinal nerves originate from the spinal cord and control the functions of the rest of the body.
  • Early Frameworks: Structuralism and Functionalism

    • Structuralism and functionalism were two of the earliest frameworks of psychological thought.
    • One rather important alternative was functionalism, founded by William James in the late 19th century.
    • Built on structuralism's concern for the anatomy of the mind, functionalism led to greater concern of the functions of the mind, and later on to behaviorism.
    • Psychology 101 - Wundt & James: Structuralism & Functionalism - Vook
    • Here, the foundations of structuralism and functionalism are contrasted.
  • Introduction to Sleep

    • Research on rats has found that a week of no sleep leads to loss of immune function, and two weeks of no sleep leads to death.
    • Despite its clear importance to psychological and physiological functioning, researchers have struggled for centuries to answer the question of why we sleep.
    • We also know that extended sleeplessness can lead to hallucinations, delusions, loss of immune function, and in extreme cases, death.
    • Recently, neuroscientists have learned that at least one vital function of sleep is related to learning and memory.
    • Sleep debt results in diminished abilities to perform high-level cognitive functions.
  • Cerebral Hemispheres and Lobes of the Brain

    • The brain is divided into two hemispheres and four lobes, each of which specializes in a different function.
    • There is evidence that each brain hemisphere has its own distinct functions, a phenomenon referred to as lateralization.
    • The frontal lobe is associated with executive functions and motor performance.
    • Executive functions are some of the highest-order cognitive processes that humans have.
    • Outline the structure and function of the lobes and hemispheres of the brain
  • Nutrition and Health

    • Cells rely on nutrients in food to function properly.
    • In order to function properly, the human body must meet specific caloric and nutritional needs.
    • These molecules are broken down into essential amino acids and fatty acids and used as fuel for cellular functions.
    • If excess caloric energy is consumed, beyond what is needed to maintain body functioning, it is stored in adipose (fat) tissue.
    • The USDA Food Pyramid demonstrates the variety and quantity of food needed to promote proper body function and prevent disease.
  • Human Language and the Brain

    • Several areas of the brain must function together in order for a person to develop, use, and understand language.
    • These areas must function together in order for a person to develop, use, and understand language.
  • Neurocognitive Disorders

    • Neurocognitive functions are cognitive functions closely linked to the function of particular brain areas, neural pathways, or cortical networks in the brain substrate at the cellular molecular level.
    • Neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience are two disciplines that seek to understand how the structure and function of the brain relates to perception, memory, and thought processes behind behavior.
    • Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death.
    • In order to be diagnosed, a person must exhibit a cognitive decline and some impairment in cognitive functioning.
    • This PET scan shows the image of the brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease, indicating a loss of function in the temporal lobe.
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