Functional fixedness is a common mental block. It is a type of cognitive bias or mental block that limits us to seeing objects as only working in a particular or traditional way. It prevents you from using an object in a new way or function to solve a problem. Reber, Allen, and Reber, (2009) define functional fixedness as, A conceptual set whereby objects that have been used for one function tend to be viewed as serving only that function even though the situation may call for their use in a different context. For example, a hammer just used for pounding nails may not be perceived as appropriate for use as a pendulum weight. Also called "functional fixity. Describe a situation when you experienced functional fixedness. Explain how this mental block impacted you and what you tried to overcome it.