In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in its traditional manner. When individuals encounter a problem, they often fail to see alternative uses for familiar items because their minds are fixed on the object's typical function. This rigidity can hinder creative problem-solving, as people overlook novel solutions that require repurposing common objects. Overcoming functional fixedness involves breaking mental set and considering unconventional applications for everyday tools.
🎧 Bài giảng
Professor: To illustrate functional fixedness, consider a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches, and asked to attach the candle to a wall so it could burn without dripping wax on the floor. Many struggled because they saw the box only as a container for thumbtacks. However, the solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside it. Those who succeeded had to overcome the fixed idea that a box is just for holding things. In another version, when the thumbtacks were presented separately from the box, participants solved it more easily because the box was not perceived as a container, showing how functional fixedness blocks insight.
❓ Câu hỏi Question: 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
🎤 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。
