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 manner. When faced with a problem, individuals often fail to see alternative uses for familiar objects, which hinders creative problem-solving. Overcoming functional fixedness requires restructuring one's mental representation of the object and considering its potential beyond its typical function.

Professor: Let me illustrate this with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of tacks, 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. Some participants tried to tack the candle directly to the wall, but it didn't work—the candle broke. Others tried to melt the wax to stick it, but that failed too. However, a few people realized they could empty the tack box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. Those who succeeded overcame functional fixedness by seeing the box not just as a container for tacks, but as a potential shelf.