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 seeing alternative uses for familiar items, thereby hindering problem-solving. When faced with a novel challenge, people often fail to think creatively because they are 'fixed' on the object's typical function, rather than considering its potential based on physical properties. Overcoming this bias requires a deliberate shift in perspective.

Professor: So, let me give you a classic example from a study. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to the wall so that it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled. They tried nailing the candle to the wall with the tacks, or melting the wax to stick it—but nothing worked. The solution? Empty the box of tacks, tack the box to the wall, and place the candle inside it. Why did they fail? Because they saw the box only as a container for tacks—that’s functional fixedness. They couldn’t see it as a potential shelf or holder. Once they overcame that mental block, the solution became obvious.