托福口语 Task 3

In psychology, 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. This mental block prevents individuals from imagining alternative uses for familiar objects, thereby hindering problem-solving. When faced with a novel challenge, people often fail to see beyond an object's conventional function, even when a creative solution is readily available. Overcoming functional fixedness requires a deliberate shift in perspective.

Professor: Let me give you an example from a classic study. Participants were asked to mount a candle on a wall so it could burn properly. They were given a box of tacks, matches, and a candle. Most people tried to tack the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it—both failed. The solution was to empty the tack box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. Why didn't they see that? Because they saw the box only as a container for tacks, not as a potential shelf. That's functional fixedness—they were stuck on the box's usual purpose. Once someone pointed out the box could be used differently, they solved it instantly.