托福口语 Task 3

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, thereby hindering creative problem-solving. When individuals encounter a problem, they often fail to see alternative uses for familiar objects because their minds are 'fixed' on the object's conventional function. This mental block can prevent them from finding novel solutions, even when those solutions are readily available.

Professor: So, let me give you an example from a classic psychology experiment. Participants were asked to complete a task: they had to attach a candle to a wall so that it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. They were given a box of tacks, matches, and a candle. Most people tried to tack the candle directly to the wall, which failed. They couldn't figure out how to use the box. The solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall as a platform, and place the candle on it. But because the box was presented as a container for tacks, participants saw it only as a holder, not as a potential shelf. This is functional fixedness—they couldn't see the box's alternative function. Once someone pointed out the box could be used as a platform, they immediately solved it. That's a clear demonstration of the concept.