When Howie's old girlfriend used to get upset with him, he could smooth things over by buying flowers or chocolates for her. He keeps trying this strategy with his current girlfriend, but she gets angry with him each time. It appears that Howie has developed _______________which is interfering with the development of a new relationship strategy.
A) a mental set
B) an anchoring effect
C) a prototype
D) a goal state

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Howie has developed a mental set, which means he has become accustomed to using a particular approach to solve a problem. In this case, that approach is buying gifts to smooth things over with his girlfriend. However, this mental set is no longer effective with his current girlfriend, and it is interfering with his ability to develop a new relationship strategy.

When Howie's Old Girlfriend Used to Get Upset with Him