托福口语 Task 3

The concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the tendency to perceive objects only in terms of their typical or intended use, which limits creative problem-solving. When individuals are fixated on an object's standard function, they fail to see alternative ways it could be used to solve a novel problem. This cognitive bias often hinders innovation and can be overcome by consciously re-evaluating an object's properties beyond its usual purpose.

Professor: Let me give you an example from a classic psychology experiment. Participants were given a candle, a box of thumbtacks, and a book of matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many tried to melt wax or tack the candle directly, but failed. The solution was to empty the thumbtack box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. However, only those who saw the box as a potential shelf, not just a container for tacks, succeeded. Those who fixated on the box's usual function—holding tacks—couldn't solve it. Once they reframed the box as a support, the problem became easy.