In psychology, the concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to a cognitive bias that limits a person to using an object only in its traditional or intended way. This mental block prevents individuals from seeing alternative uses for familiar items, thereby hindering creative problem-solving. When faced with a challenge, people often overlook novel solutions because they are mentally anchored to an object's conventional function. Overcoming functional fixedness requires flexible thinking and the ability to reframe problems, which can lead to innovative outcomes.
🎧 Bài giảng
Professor: Let me give you a classic example from a study. Participants were asked to attach a candle to a wall using only a box of tacks, matches, and the candle itself. Many struggled because they saw the box only as a container for tacks. However, the solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside. Those who succeeded overcame functional fixedness by recognizing the box could serve as a platform, not just a holder. In another follow-up, when the tacks were presented separately from the box, more participants solved it quickly, because the box's role as a container was less obvious. This shows how our fixed ideas about an object's use can block creative solutions.
❓ Câu hỏi 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。
