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 objects, thereby hindering problem-solving. Research shows that overcoming functional fixedness often requires a deliberate shift in perspective, which can lead to creative solutions in everyday and professional situations.
🎧 Bài giảng
Professor: Let me give you a classic example. In an experiment, participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a match, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn without dripping wax. Most people tried to tack the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it, both failed. They saw the box only as a container for tacks. But the solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside. The participants who succeeded had to overcome functional fixedness by seeing the box as a potential shelf rather than just a holder. Once they broke that mental set, the problem became easy.
❓ Câu hỏi Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of functional fixedness.
📊 Tiêu chí chấm TOEFL Speaking Task 3
Delivery: Fluency, pronunciation, intonation
Language Use: Grammar, vocabulary, sentence variety
Topic Development: Accurately explain the reading concept and restate the lecture examples
Scored 0-30 based on holistic scoring (original 0-4, scaled to 30). 30s preparation, 60s response.
💡 Mẹo làm bài
Note the core concept definition from the reading (usually 1-2 sentences)
Record 1-2 specific examples the professor uses in the lecture
Start with the concept definition, then explain with lecture examples
Use template phrases: "The reading defines... The professor illustrates this by..."
Keep within 60s; ensure clarity and fluency
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⚠️ AI 自动评分基于托福官方口语三大维度（Delivery / Language Use / Topic Development）标准开发，结果仅供练习参考。
