Which one of the following examples most clearly illustrates how mental set can interfere with problem solving?
A) A few days after an argument with her boyfriend, Abigail wants to make amends, but the boyfriend tells her that he is now dating someone else.
B) Bernadette needs to calculate the volume of a pyramid. She knows she learned the correct formula in class, but she can't seem to remember it now.
C) Corinne is working on a jigsaw puzzle. One of the pieces to the puzzle is missing.
D) Danielle's car won't start. It doesn't occur to her that she can take the bus to work because she has always driven her car to work before.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mental set refers to the tendency to approach problems in a familiar way, based on past experiences and knowledge. In this example, Danielle is unable to think outside the box and consider alternative options for getting to work because she is stuck in the mindset of using her car. This illustrates how mental set can interfere with problem-solving by limiting the range of possible solutions one is able to generate.

Which One of the Following Examples Most Clearly Illustrates How