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 or intended manner. This mental block prevents individuals from recognizing alternative uses for familiar items, thereby hindering creative problem-solving. When faced with a novel challenge, people often overlook innovative solutions because they are fixated on the conventional function of the objects around them. Overcoming functional fixedness requires a deliberate shift in perspective to see beyond an object's typical purpose.

Professor: Let me illustrate this with a classic experiment. In the study, participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn properly without dripping wax on the floor. Many participants struggled. They tried to tack the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it—both failed. However, the key was to empty the box, tack the box to the wall, and place the candle inside. Those who saw the box merely as a container for tacks couldn't think to use it as a shelf. Only when they mentally overcame the box's usual function did they solve the problem. This shows how functional fixedness blocks creative solutions.