托福口语 Task 3

In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in its traditional manner. This mental block prevents individuals from recognizing alternative uses for familiar items, thereby hindering creative problem-solving. When faced with a challenge, people often become fixated on an object's typical function, overlooking novel ways it could serve their needs. Overcoming functional fixedness requires a conscious effort to think beyond conventional associations and explore the potential versatility of everyday things.

Professor: Today, let's consider a classic experiment that illustrates functional fixedness. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to a corkboard wall so it could burn properly. Many struggled because they fixated on the box as merely a container for the tacks. The solution, however, was to empty the box, tack it to the wall as a shelf, and place the candle on it. Those who failed couldn't see the box beyond its usual role. This demonstrates how our preconceived notions about an object's function can block creative solutions.