📖 เนื้อเรื่อง
In psychology, 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. When people experience functional fixedness, they fail to see alternative or novel uses for familiar objects, which can hinder problem-solving. This mental set often arises because past experiences and habitual ways of interacting with objects create a rigid framework, making it difficult to think creatively when faced with a new challenge.
🎧 การบรรยาย
Professor: Now, let me give you a classic example from a study. Participants were given a box of tacks, a candle, and matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn properly. Many people tried to tack the candle directly to the wall, but the candle was too thick. Others tried to melt the wax with matches, but that didn't work either. The solution was to empty the box, tack the box to the wall, and place the candle inside it. Those who failed were stuck because they saw the box only as a container for tacks, not as a platform. They were fixated on its usual function. Once they realized the box could serve as a shelf, the problem was solved easily.