Problem solving can be inefficient when the solution requires subjects to generate an atypical function for an object and the object's typical function has been primed. Subjects become "fixed" on the ...

A recent analysis of real-world problems that led to historic inventions and insight problems that are used in psychology experiments suggests that during innovative problem solving, individuals ...

In a fascinating 2007 social experiment, the Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell posed as a street musician busking at the Washington, D.C., Metro station. Despite typically attracting standing-room ...

"We shape our tools and thereafter our tools shape us." Marshall McLuhan The most challenging aspect about innovating is rooted in a concept called fixedness. Fixedness is the inability to realize ...

You probably know the line, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet!" from Juliet's famous balcony soliloquy. Not only are these words a rich way to ...

Kanye West is currently receiving backlash for his Church Clothes merchandise at Coachella. I think this has a lot to do with anchoring and functional fixedness. What is anchoring? Let's start with a ...