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 imagining alternative functions for familiar objects, thereby hindering problem-solving and creativity. Functional fixedness often arises when people are so accustomed to an object’s standard purpose that they fail to see its potential in novel contexts.
🎧 Лекция
Professor: Let me give you a classic example. In an experiment, participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and a book of matches. Their task was to attach the candle to a wall so that it could burn properly without dripping wax on the floor. Many participants struggled. They tried to tack the candle directly to the wall, or melt wax to stick it, but nothing worked. However, the solution was simple: empty the thumbtack box, tack it to the wall as a small shelf, and place the candle inside it. The participants failed because they saw the box only as a container for thumbtacks, not as a potential platform. This is functional fixedness in action.
❓ Вопрос Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of functional fixedness.
📊 Критерии оценки 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.
💡 Советы
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。
