The concept of 'functional fixedness' refers to the mental block that prevents people from using an object in a new way beyond its typical function. This cognitive bias limits problem-solving because individuals become anchored to an object's conventional purpose. Overcoming functional fixedness requires creative thinking, where one reimagines familiar items in novel contexts. Psychologists study this phenomenon to understand how prior knowledge can hinder, rather than help, in certain situations.
🎧 듣기 강의
Professor: Let me illustrate this with a classic experiment. Participants were given a box of thumbtacks, a candle, and matches, and asked to attach the candle to the wall so it could burn properly. Most people tried to tack the candle directly to the wall or melt wax with the matches to stick it—both failed. They were stuck because they saw the box only as a container for thumbtacks. The solution was to empty the box, tack it to the wall, and place the candle inside. Those who succeeded overcame functional fixedness by seeing the box as a potential shelf, not just a box. This shows how our usual perception of an object's function can blind us to creative alternatives.
❓ 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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