Domain dependence is a phenomenon where ‘humans somehow fail to recognize situations outside the contexts in which they usually learn about them’ [1]. So yes, you definitely do have it! And that’s okay - we all do. The real question we should be asking is how do we beat it?
The book in which I first read about the concept provides a helpful example of what domain dependence is. The author sneeringly describes a situation in which a client of a hotel has a porter carry his luggage, only for them (the client) to appear in the hotel gym 15 minutes later where they start lifting free weights and kettlebells in an attempt to replicate ‘natural’ exercises, as if they were swinging a suitcase. We struggle to transfer our knowledge from one environment or domain to another. The way we view or understand something theoretically or practically is ‘trapped’ in the domain where we first learnt about it or applied it. A constraint of knowledge therefore appears that it is domain dependent, or more simply, if all you have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail. Domain dependence has elements that are shared or similar to unconscious bias, cognitive dissonance and silo working (a phrase beloved by newly appointed managers), but it’s not the same.
