托福口语 Task 3

In psychology, the concept of "functional fixedness" refers to the tendency to perceive an object only in terms of its most common use, thereby limiting the ability to imagine alternative functions for it. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving because individuals become mentally locked into a single, typical purpose. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a deliberate shift in perspective, allowing one to see novel possibilities for familiar items.

Professor: Let me illustrate with 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 it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled. They tried to melt wax onto the wall or nail the candle directly, but nothing worked. The solution? Empty the thumbtack box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside. The trick was to see the box not just as a container for tacks, but as a platform. Those who failed were stuck on the box's usual function—holding tacks. Once they broke free from that fixed idea, they solved it easily.