TOEFLスピーキング Task 3

The concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in its traditional manner, preventing them from imagining alternative uses. This mental block often hinders problem-solving, as individuals fail to see novel solutions because they are fixated on an object's typical function. Researchers have demonstrated this bias in various experiments, showing that when people are given a familiar object, they struggle to use it in creative ways to achieve a goal.

Professor: Let me illustrate this with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a matchbook, and were asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Most people tried to melt the candle and stick it to the wall, or tack the candle directly to the wall—both failed. However, the solution was to empty the thumbtack box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. Why didn't they see it? Because they fixed the box's function as a container for tacks. Once the box was empty, they still viewed it as 'the tack box,' not as a potential shelf. This demonstrates functional fixedness—the box's usual role blinded them to its alternative use.