What does a mental set refer to in problem-solving?

A mental set refers to preconceived notions based on past experiences. This concept describes how an individual's previous experiences, knowledge, and learned strategies influence their ability to approach and solve new problems. When someone is faced with a problem, their mental set can create a kind of cognitive framework that leads them to use familiar solutions that may not be suitable for the current situation. This can limit their ability to think creatively or to explore alternative approaches that might be more effective.

Recognizing that mental sets are shaped by what has worked in the past can help in understanding cognitive biases in problem-solving. Often, a stronger reliance on past strategies can lead to rigidity in thinking, making it difficult to adapt to new problems that require a different approach. The other options focus on characteristics like innovative thinking, flexibility, or randomness, which are not aligned with the concept of a mental set.