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 and creativity. When faced with a novel challenge, people often fail to think beyond an object's conventional function, even when a simple, unconventional solution is available. Overcoming functional fixedness requires a deliberate effort to reframe the problem and consider all possible properties of the object.
🎧 リスニング講義
Professor: Let me give you an example from a classic experiment. Participants were asked to attach a candle to a wall using only a box of tacks and a book of matches. Most people struggled. They tried to nail the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it. But the key was to realize that the box itself could be used as a platform. By emptying the tacks, they could nail the box to the wall and place the candle on top. Why did they fail initially? Because they saw the box only as a container for tacks—that's functional fixedness. Once they overcame that bias and saw the box as a potential shelf, the solution became obvious. This shows how mental blocks limit creative problem-solving.
❓ 質問 Question: Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of functional fixedness.
📊 TOEFLスピーキング評価基準
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.
💡 解答のヒント
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
🎤 免费 AI 口语评分
基于 2800+ 托福真题评分库 · 无限次免费使用
⚠️ 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。
