托福口语 Task 3

The concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the tendency to perceive objects only in terms of their typical or intended functions, which limits an individual's ability to use them in novel or creative ways. This cognitive bias often prevents problem-solving because people fail to see alternative uses for familiar items. Overcoming functional fixedness requires mental flexibility and the ability to reframe an object’s purpose beyond its conventional role, a skill that can be cultivated through practice and exposure to diverse problem-solving situations.

Professor: Let me illustrate functional fixedness with a classic experiment. In a study, participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled because they saw the box only as a container for tacks. To solve it, they had to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside—using the box as a platform, not just a holder. Those who initially fixed on the box’s typical role failed, while those who reimagined its function succeeded. This shows how mental rigidity blocks creative solutions.