托福口语 Task 3

In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the tendency to perceive objects only in terms of their typical or intended functions, which limits creative problem-solving. When individuals are fixated on an object's conventional use, they often fail to see alternative ways it could serve a novel purpose. Overcoming functional fixedness requires cognitive flexibility and a deliberate effort to reframe the object's potential uses beyond its standard role.

Professor: Let me give you a classic example from a study. Participants were given a candle, a box of tacks, and a matchbox, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn properly. Many struggled because they tried to tack the candle directly or melt wax to stick it. But the solution was to empty the tack box, tack it to the wall as a shelf, and place the candle inside. The participants who succeeded had to overcome functional fixedness—they had to see the box not just as a container for tacks, but as a potential platform. Those who failed were stuck on the box's typical function. So, functional fixedness blocks innovation, and breaking it often requires a shift in perspective.