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. This cognitive bias prevents individuals from solving problems creatively because they fail to see beyond the conventional purpose of an item. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a deliberate shift in perspective, allowing the mind to explore novel applications for familiar objects. Understanding this bias is crucial in fields like design and engineering, where innovative solutions are valued.

Professor: So, let me give you an example from a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many people tried to melt the wax or use the tacks to pin the candle directly. But the trick was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. Those who saw the box only as a container for tacks were stuck—that's functional fixedness. But once someone realized the box could serve as a shelf, the solution became obvious. This shows how our preconceived notions about an object's use can hinder creative problem-solving.