Which of the following best describes functional fixedness in cognitive psychology?

• A. The process of encoding information into long-term memory.
• B. The tendency to focus on irrelevant details when making decisions.
• C. The ability to switch between multiple strategies when solving a problem.
• D. The tendency to perceive objects as having only one function, which limits problem-solving abilities.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used.
2. Recognize that this bias can hinder problem-solving because it prevents individuals from seeing alternative uses for objects or concepts.
3. Compare the given options to identify which one aligns with this definition of functional fixedness.
4. Eliminate options that describe other cognitive processes, such as encoding information into long-term memory or switching strategies.
5. Select the option that states 'The tendency to perceive objects as having only one function, which limits problem-solving abilities' as it best describes functional fixedness.