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 see alternative functions. This cognitive bias can hinder problem-solving because individuals become mentally stuck on conventional uses, failing to repurpose objects creatively. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a conscious shift in perspective, allowing for novel applications to emerge.

Professor: Let me illustrate this with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of tacks, a candle, and matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn without dripping wax. Many failed because they saw the box only as a container for tacks. The solution, however, was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside it. Those who succeeded had to overcome functional fixedness by repurposing the box as a shelf rather than a mere container. This shows how mental rigidity can block simple solutions.