Problem-solving tasks are a common experience; however, problem solving can be impeded by fixation. This mental blockade arises when previously successful strategies are applied incorrectly to the new problem. Prior solutions can block finding correct solutions for the current cognitive task. In contrast, after a break from active problem solving (a so-called period of incubation), people sometimes experience sudden insights, referred to as incubation effects. The context-dependent fixation hypothesis (Smith & Beda, 2020) proposes that fixation occurs because previous incorrect solutions become associated with the contextual cues. As long as the context remains unchanged, fixation occurs; when context is new, fixation may be overcome.

This project examines metacognitive monitoring and control of these processes—whether individuals can recognise when fixation occurs and strategically regulate their behaviour to overcome fixation. In our study, we will adapt Smith and Beda’s paradigm using the Remote Associates Test (RAT). The presence of fixation will be manipulated by presenting RAT problems on background contexts associated previously (or not) with incorrect solutions to those problems. We will be interested in metacognition of fixation, using measures such as Final Judgement of Solvability (fJOS) of RAT problems and decisions whether to attempt solving previously unsolved problems again. We hypothesize that participants will correctly attribute test failures to fixation. It should lead to higher fJOS and more frequent reattempt decisions in the fixation condition. This research aims to elucidate how people monitor and control their own problem solving, offering insight into the metacognitive mechanisms that might help overcome fixation.