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 see alternative functions. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving because individuals fail to utilize available resources in novel ways. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a shift in perspective, allowing one to recognize that everyday items can serve purposes beyond their typical roles.

Professor: Today, let's discuss functional fixedness with a classic experiment. In the study, participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a match, and asked to attach the candle to the wall so it could burn without dripping wax. Many struggled because they saw the box only as a container for tacks. However, the solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside. Those who succeeded had to break their mental set—seeing the box not just as a holder but as a shelf. This example shows how functional fixedness prevents creative solutions until we reframe an object's purpose.