托福口语 Task 3

In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the tendency to perceive objects only in terms of their most common or traditional use, which limits our ability to think of novel applications. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving because individuals become 'fixated' on an object's typical function. Overcoming functional fixedness requires a mental shift to see beyond the obvious, often by redefining the problem or breaking the object into its basic components.

Professor: Let me illustrate functional fixedness with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of tacks, a candle, and a book of matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled because they saw the box only as a container for tacks. The solution? Empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside. Those who succeeded overcame functional fixedness by recognizing the box could serve as a platform, not just a holder. Another group, however, was given the tacks separately from the box, and they solved it much faster—because the box's 'container' function wasn't as salient, making it easier to see its alternative use.