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 become mentally stuck on conventional uses, failing to repurpose familiar items in novel ways. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a shift in perspective, allowing the mind to break free from habitual associations and explore creative solutions.

Professor: So, let me give you a classic example. In a study, participants were given a box of tacks, a candle, and a match, and asked to attach the candle to the wall so it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled because they tried to tack the candle directly to the wall, which didn't work. The solution was to empty the tack box, tack it to the wall as a platform, and place the candle inside. The key was seeing the box not just as a container for tacks, but as a potential shelf. This illustrates functional fixedness: participants were so fixated on the box's typical role that they couldn't imagine using it differently. Once they broke that mental block, the solution became obvious.