托福口语 Task 3

In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the tendency to perceive an object only in terms of its most common use, thereby limiting the ability to imagine alternative functions. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving, as individuals fail to utilize familiar objects in novel ways. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a shift in perspective, allowing one to see beyond conventional purposes.

Professor: Let me illustrate with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn properly. Many struggled, thinking only of tacking the candle directly to the wall, which didn't work. The solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall as a shelf, and place the candle inside. Those who saw the box solely as a container failed, while those who reconceptualized it as a platform succeeded. This demonstrates how functional fixedness blocks creative solutions when we overlook alternative uses for everyday items.