Thinking of an object only in terms of its typical use is known as______________ ______________ . \(\quad\) A broader, related tendency to approach a problem in a certain way because that method worked previously is known as a ______________ ______________ .

Imagine encountering a problem where the solution requires using a hammer, but you don't have one. If you can't think of using the heel of your shoe or a heavy book as a substitute, you've experienced 'functional fixedness'. It's a cognitive bias that restricts a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used. This bias can hinder problem-solving by limiting the creative use of available resources.

For learners, overcoming functional fixedness is crucial. To improve problem-solving skills, it's important to practice thinking outside the box. A good exercise includes challenging oneself to list alternate uses for common items. This can stretch the mind to see potential in the most mundane objects, fostering innovative thinking.

Our brains are efficiency-seeking machines, and this is exemplified in the concept of 'mental set'. A mental set is a framework for thinking about a problem based on what has worked in the past. This approach can be a double-edged sword; it allows us to quickly solve problems using methods that have proven successful before, but it can also blind us to novel solutions when old methods no longer apply.

Breaking out from a mental set requires reflective thinking and the willingness to experiment with new strategies. Students can benefit from exercises that prompt them to evaluate different approaches to the same problem. This not only enhances flexibility in thinking but can also lead to discovering more efficient or effective problem-solving strategies in the process.

Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology focused on the innate processes occurring in the brain, such as thinking, memory, learning, and language. It aims to understand how people comprehend and manage the world around them. Cognitive psychology plays a fundamental role in understanding how we develop biases like functional fixedness and mental set.

Aspiring problem-solvers can apply cognitive psychology principles to recognize their own cognitive biases and work to mitigate them. Awareness of these biases is the first step. The next is applying exercises designed to enhance cognitive flexibility, such as puzzles that require unconventional solutions, offering a workout for the brain.

Effective problem-solving involves a variety of strategies that go beyond the constraints imposed by cognitive biases. These strategies include algorithmic approaches, which involve step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution, and heuristics, which are mental shortcuts that facilitate swift, yet not always accurate, resolutions.

When faced with a complex problem, it's beneficial to combine these strategies with critical thinking and creativity. Techniques like brainstorming, lateral thinking, and the 'six thinking hats' method, where different perspectives are methodically considered, can empower students to tackle problems with a fresh lens. Regular practice in diverse problem-solving encourages adaptability and innovation, essential skills in both academic and real-world situations.