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. This mental block prevents individuals from imagining alternative functions for familiar objects, thereby hindering problem-solving and creativity. Functional fixedness often arises from past experiences and learned behaviors, which create rigid mental categories. Overcoming this bias requires deliberate effort to think beyond conventional uses and to perceive objects in a more abstract manner.

Professor: Now, let me illustrate functional fixedness with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to the wall so that it would burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled because they saw the box only as a container for thumbtacks. However, the solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside it. Those who failed were stuck in functional fixedness—they couldn't see the box as a potential shelf. In a second condition, the thumbtacks were presented separately from the box, and nearly everyone solved the problem quickly. This shows that when the box's typical function wasn't highlighted, participants could more easily perceive its alternative use.