托福口语 Task 3

The concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in the way it is traditionally used, preventing them from imagining alternative uses. This mental block can hinder problem-solving, as individuals fail to see novel functions for familiar items. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a shift in perspective, enabling creative solutions to emerge.

Professor: To illustrate this, let me tell you about a classic experiment. Participants were given a candle, a box of tacks, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled. The key was to use the tack box as a candle holder—emptying it and nailing it to the wall, then placing the candle inside. Those who saw the box only as a container for tacks failed. But participants who thought of the box as a potential platform succeeded. This shows how functional fixedness can block creativity—once you break the mental set, the solution becomes obvious.