Question

Which one of the following sometimes hinders the problem solving?
1. Heuristics
2. Mental set
3. Analogy
4. Algorithms

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Mental set

The correct answer is Mental set.

• Problem-solving can have one step as well as multiple steps.
• The end goal is to solve a problem by overcoming every barrier on the way.
• The mental set is considered a barrier to problem-solving.
• A mental set is an unconscious tendency to approach a problem in a certain way.
• It is about reusing what has been successful in the past, rather than assessing and evaluating the problem.
• Functional fixedness is a subtype of mental set and refers to the inability to see an object’s potential uses aside from its prescribed uses.
• Some people keep trying to solve a problem with a set conventional rule and do no consider thinking out of the box. 
• It relies on previous experiences to direct how a problem can be solved. This could be an intellectual block, as the problem solver is not prepared to learn new problem-solving skills, and emotionally relies on familiarity to feel comfortable with a solution.