托福口语 Task 3

The concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the tendency of individuals to perceive objects only in terms of their typical or intended use, which limits their ability to think of alternative functions. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving because the person fails to see novel ways to use familiar items. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a creative shift in perspective, allowing the individual to break free from conventional associations.

Professor: Let me give you an example from a classic psychology experiment. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a match, and were asked to attach the candle to the wall so that it would burn properly. Many struggled because they tried to nail the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it. The solution, however, was to empty the thumbtack box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. Most people failed because they saw the box only as a container for thumbtacks, not as a potential shelf. Their functional fixedness prevented them from using the box in a novel way. Once they realized the box could serve as a support, the problem was easily solved.