What is a mental set as an obstacle to problem solving?
ATendency to flip option positions every time a problem is posed
BTendency to give up on every problem before attempting any operation
CTendency to solve new problems using already tried mental operations
DTendency to memorise all answers without thinking about them
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Tendency to solve new problems using already tried mental operations
1. The chapter identifies two major obstacles to problem solving.
2. The first is named mental set.
3. Mental set is the tendency to solve problems using already tried mental operations or steps.
4. Prior success with a strategy makes one repeat it on new problems.
5. This creates rigidity that obstructs the search for new strategies.
6. Hence mental set is the rigidity of using previously tried steps on a new problem.
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Psychology Ch 7 "Thinking", p. 113, Obstacles to Solving Problems_
Related questions
Which mistake in deductive reasoning does the mouse's cartoon claim 'All cats have four leWhich statement best describes Chomsky's view on language development?How does Vygotsky describe the relationship between thought and language in early childhooWhat does Whorf's linguistic relativity hypothesis claim about language and thought?Who developed the Brainstorming technique and what is its core principle?Which four stages make up the creative thinking process?What does de Bono's Black hat represent in the Six Thinking Hats technique?Who introduced the concept of lateral thinking, and how is it contrasted with vertical thi