Functional Fixedness

[victorias]

Which of the following is a good example of functional fixedness?
A) Failing to use a dime as a screwdriver when you have lost your screwdriver
B) Not being able to solve a physics problem because you apply the same rule you always do


The correct answer is A. But is there a term for the phenomenon explained in choice B?

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[aldol16]

I'm not sure about the name for B but it's not functional fixedness because it doesn't have anything really to do with using any physical objects for function.

 

[wizzed101]

I think it is "mental set." or some kind of set lol

 

[DrHart]

Functional fixedness (A): The inability to consider how to use an object in a nontraditional manner.
Mental set (B): Tendency to approach problems in the same way