托福口语 Task 3

The concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the tendency of individuals to perceive objects only in their conventional or typical uses, thereby limiting their ability to think of novel applications for those objects. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving, as people fail to see alternative functions for familiar items. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a deliberate shift in perspective, allowing one to consider an object's properties beyond its usual purpose.

Professor: Let me give you a classic example from a study. Participants were asked to attach a candle to a wall using only a box of tacks and matches. Most people tried to tack the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it, but they failed. The key insight was that the box—which normally held the tacks—was not seen as a potential platform. However, participants who emptied the box and tacked it to the wall as a shelf, then placed the candle on it, succeeded. The box's usual function as a container blinded them. Once they saw it as a flat surface, the problem was solved. This perfectly illustrates functional fixedness.