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, thereby preventing them from imagining alternative functions. This mental block can hinder problem-solving, as individuals fail to see novel uses for familiar items. Overcoming functional fixedness often requires a conscious effort to think creatively and break away from conventional associations.

Professor: Let me illustrate this with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of tacks, a candle, and a book of matches, and asked to attach the candle to the wall so it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled because they fixated on the box as just a container for tacks. However, those who succeeded realized they could empty the box, tack it to the wall, and use it as a platform for the candle. The key was seeing the box not as a holder, but as a shelf. This shows how breaking free from typical uses can lead to solutions.