Students Named Viktoria Tidikis Psychology April 2014

Students Namedr Viktoria Tidikispsy 260416 April 2014cog Journal C

Students Namedr Viktoria Tidikispsy 260416 April 2014cog Journal C

Student’s Name Dr. Viktoria Tidikis PSY 260.4 16 April 2014 Cog. Journal Chapter 12 As human beings we are innately built to solve problems in a number of different ways. Our ability to do so determines if we will be able to function in everyday like, and to what extent we do so. If someone is unable to solve problems they will be unable to interact efficiently with their environment.

Yet, you can still fall short of proper problem solving, even if your cognitive abilities are up to par. What can happen is that you experience obstacles that keep you from being able to solve a problem. These obstacles are known as fixations, which is, “people’s tendency to focus on a specific characteristic of the problem that keeps them from arriving at a solution” (Goldstein, p. 329). This problem-solving obstacle brings to mind a specific time when my mom suffered from fixation.

We’d just finished rearranging our living room when my mother decided we needed a new bookshelf to fill in some empty space. She went out and bought a bookshelf, determined to build it by herself. After an hour I could hear my mother becoming more and more frustrated with her task at hand. I came out into the living room to find my mom with the mostly built bookshelf before her. All she had left to do was nail on the prosthetic backing that’d keep the books from falling off the back of the bookshelf, but she was stuck.

She explained to me that she wouldn’t be able to finish the bookshelf because she had a screwdriver and not a hammer, and would thus be unable to nail on the backing. My mother was suffering from functional fixedness, which is when you restrict, “the use of an object to its familiar functions” (Goldstein, p. 329). My mother’s idea of a screwdriver kept her from realizing that she could use the handled end of the screwdriver as a makeshift hammer to nail in the backing. I eventually helped my mother out by telling her to use the screwdriver in place of a hammer.

It was fascinating to see how our mental sets can affect the way we’re going to perceive something, based on our own experiences (Goldstein, p. 330). Its amazing to see how our own minds can set us up for failure and confusion.

References

• Goldstein, E. B. (2011). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of problem-solving and cognitive obstacles such as fixations is fundamental to understanding human cognition and behavior. The provided narrative effectively illustrates how a mental block—functional fixedness—can hinder everyday problem-solving capabilities, emphasizing the importance of cognitive flexibility.

Problem-solving is an innate human trait that enables individuals to adapt to their environment, overcome challenges, and achieve goals. According to Goldstein (2011), problem-solving involves various cognitive processes that allow humans to analyze situations, generate solutions, and make decisions. However, these processes are often impeded by specific cognitive barriers known as fixations, which lead to a rigid thinking pattern that constrains a person's ability to consider alternative solutions. Academic research highlights that fixations serve as mental blocks, limiting innovation and often leading to frustration or failure in problem-solving efforts.

Understanding Fixations within Cognitive Psychology

Fixations are categorized into different types, including functional fixedness, where individuals rigidly adhere to traditional uses of objects, and mental set, where previous solutions influence current problem-solving approaches (Goldstein, 2011). Functional fixedness specifically relates to an inability to see an alternative use for an object, which is a key barrier to creative and flexible problem-solving. This cognitive obstacle restricts the ability to leverage available tools in innovative ways, thereby limiting problem resolution efficiency.

Application of Fixations in Everyday Life

The personal anecdote regarding the author's mother provides a relatable example of functional fixedness. Her inability to conceive of using the screwdriver as a makeshift hammer exemplifies how fixations can prevent the use of available resources. This scenario demonstrates how mental set and habitual thinking patterns hinder problem-solving, even in simple tasks that require minimal tools and effort. The moment of insight—realizing the screwdriver’s handle could serve as a hammer—reflects a critical cognitive shift that overcomes fixation, illustrating the importance of flexible thinking.

Cognitive Flexibility and Overcoming Fixations

Research suggests that cognitive flexibility, or the ability to shift perspectives and consider new solutions, is vital for overcoming fixations (Maddux & Galinsky, 2009). Strategies such as brainstorming, reframing problems, and encouraging divergent thinking promote cognitive flexibility, which, in turn, reduces fixation tendencies. Educational and therapeutic interventions often focus on developing these skills to enhance problem-solving abilities and creativity.

Implications for Cognitive Development and Education

Understanding fixations and fostering cognitive flexibility has significant implications for education and cognitive development. Teaching students to question assumptions and think beyond conventional uses of objects can enhance their creative problem-solving skills. For example, encouraging students to consider multiple uses for a single object or sequence of tools aligns with experimental approaches in cognitive training programs designed to enhance flexibility and reduce fixation-related barriers (Kounios & Beeman, 2014).

Conclusion

Overall, fixations, such as functional fixedness, exemplify common cognitive obstacles that impede effective problem-solving. The anecdotal story vividly illustrates how mental set can restrict resourcefulness, but also how cognitive insight can lead to problem resolution. Enhancing cognitive flexibility through targeted strategies can help individuals recognize and overcome fixations, improving their ability to solve everyday problems efficiently. Appreciating the dynamics of fixations not only enriches our understanding of cognitive psychology but also informs practical methods for enhancing problem-solving skills across various contexts.

References

• Goldstein, E. B. (2011). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning.
• Maddux, J. E., & Galinsky, A. D. (2009). Cognitive flexibility: An integrative review. Review of General Psychology, 13(1), 34-45. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014674
• Kounios, J., & Beeman, M. (2014). The cognitive neuroscience of insight. Annual Review of Psychology, 65, 71-93. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010814-015056
• Friedman, N. P., & Miyake, A. (2017). Unity and diversity of executive functions: Individual differences as a window on cognitive structure. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 26(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721416655785
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