托福口语 Task 3

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. When faced with a problem, individuals often fail to see alternative uses for familiar objects, thereby hindering creative problem-solving. This mental block can be overcome by consciously redefining the object's potential functions, which is a key aspect of innovative thinking.

Professor: So, let me give you an example from a classic study. Participants were given a candle, a box of tacks, and a book of matches, and were asked to attach the candle to the wall so that it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many tried to tack the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it, but these failed. The key was to realize that the tack box itself could serve as a platform. They needed to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside. The problem was that participants saw the box only as a container for tacks, not as a potential shelf. Once they overcame that mental block, they solved it easily. This illustrates functional fixedness perfectly.