APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Functional Fixedness Constrains Creative Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Michelle Martin-Raugh
The University of Texas at Arlington - Logan Watts
University Texas at Arlington - Peter McLemore
The University of Texas at Arlington - Patrick Rolwes
The University of Texas at Arlington - Harwell Kyle
The Army Research Institute - Jonathan Kochert
The Army Research Institute
Abstract
We propose a systematic literature review and meta-analysis examining how functional fixedness constrains creative performance across problem-solving domains. Drawing on experimental and applied studies, we expect to find a consistent negative association between fixedness and creativity, moderated by task structure, complexity, and operational definitions, with stronger effects in closed-ended tasks.
