Functional fixity is the rigid definition people give to objects, making it difficult to see them as possessing functions outside their definition. This tendency limits problem-solving, but younger children show less of this bias and are more likely to explore an item’s capabilities and uses. Teachers and therapists encourage people to let go of functional fixedness to generate creativity.
The Gestalt psychological term functional fixity refers to the degree of rigid definition people give to objects, making it difficult to see these objects as possessing functions outside their definition. Essentially, previously understanding a thing to have a specific purpose can interfere with visualizing it in any other way, but it also advantageously shortens the process of determining what something is. A person might recognize a tennis ball, for example, but might not see it as a good back massager or a way to stop the dog from whining. Most adults exhibit this bias, which limits all problem solving. Conversely, younger children show less of this tendency and are likely to solve problems in much more creative ways.
Functional fixity is almost always explained in relation to objects. The question is often asked whether people can see beyond their predetermined idea of what an object does to creatively use it in another way. Some have suggested that previous multiple uses of an object can disrupt functional fixedness to some extent. A piece of grass can be something you mow or collect, or it can make a beautiful whistle, for those who have learned to whistle on grass. The degree of fixity may therefore depend on the functions a person has assigned to something in the past, but these are likely to still be limited.
It’s not that functional fixity is necessarily bad. This tendency helps to shorten the thought operations. A person doesn’t have to sort through an entire toolbox to find the best tool for driving a nail into the wall. He can just grab a hammer, which saves a lot of time.
Interestingly, children show far less functional fixity than adults. They are more likely to explore an item’s capabilities and uses. At some point this changes, especially as adults may repeatedly correct them. Object definitions become fixed.
A further way in which functional fixedness can be applied is by assessing how people act in certain recognizable circumstances. They may correct their behavior in situations that seem familiar, such as a fight with his wife or an unpleasant moment at work. In these cases, problem solving may also be limited and the person may not recognize the full range of behaviors or reactions that could be employed instead.
In most cases, this well-recognized concept creates an argument for more experimentation or what one would call “thinking outside the box.” Individuals are encouraged to open their minds to new definitions of how to use things and solve problems, and this can generate creativity. To this end, many teachers offer lessons that require people to let go of functional fixedness, and these can instruct on guessing and problem solving at different levels. A Gestalt therapist might also point out to clients the ways they seem to limit their creativity or ability to handle complex problems through rigid definitions.
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