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. This mental block prevents individuals from seeing alternative uses for familiar items, thereby hindering problem-solving. When faced with a challenge, people often become 'fixated' on the object's typical function, overlooking creative solutions. Overcoming functional fixedness requires a conscious effort to think beyond conventional uses and to re-conceptualize the object's potential based on its physical properties rather than its intended purpose.
🎧 การบรรยาย
Professor: Let me illustrate this with 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 that it could burn properly. Many struggled because they tried to tack the candle directly to the wall or melt wax to stick it. The solution, however, was to empty the box, tack the box to the wall, and place the candle inside it. The box was originally seen as a container for tacks, not as a platform. Once participants realized the box could serve as a shelf, they solved the problem. This shows how functional fixedness—seeing the box only as a holder—blocked their creativity until they mentally redefined its use.
❓ คำถาม Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of functional fixedness.
📊 เกณฑ์การให้คะแนน 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.
💡 เคล็ดลับ
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。
