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 uses for familiar objects, thereby hindering creative problem-solving. When faced with a novel challenge, people often fail to see beyond an object's typical function, even when a creative solution is readily available. Overcoming functional fixedness requires actively redefining the potential uses of objects in one’s environment.
🎧 듣기 강의
Professor: Let me give you a classic example from a study. 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 without dripping wax on the floor. Many participants tried to tack the candle directly to the wall, or melt wax with the matches and stick the candle to the wall—both failed. The solution was to empty the thumbtack box, tack the box to the wall, and place the candle inside it. But most people couldn’t see the box as anything but a container for tacks. That’s functional fixedness—they were stuck on the box’s usual function. Only those who mentally freed the box from its typical role found the answer.
❓ 문제 Question: Using the example from the lecture, explain the concept of functional fixedness.
📊 TOEFL 말하기 평가 기준
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.
💡 답변 팁
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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