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, thereby hindering creative problem-solving. When individuals encounter a novel problem, they often fail to see alternative functions for familiar objects because their minds are 'fixed' on the object's conventional purpose. This mental block can prevent them from finding innovative solutions, even when those solutions are readily available.

Professor: To illustrate functional fixedness, let me tell you about a classic experiment. Participants were given a candle, a box of thumbtacks, 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 tried to melt the candle and stick it to the wall, or tack the candle directly—but none of these worked. The solution was to empty the thumbtack box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. However, most people failed because they saw the box only as a container for thumbtacks, not as a potential shelf. Their functional fixedness blinded them to the box's alternative use as a support.