The series of water-jug problems described in the text illustrates which barrier to effective problem solving?
A) mental set
B) unnecessary constraints
C) irrelevant information
D) functional fixedness

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mental set refers to the tendency to approach a problem in the same way that has been successful in the past, even when a different approach would be more effective. In the water-jug problems, the mental set is to try to fill one jug to the brim and then pour water from that jug into the other jug. However, this approach is not always the most efficient way to solve the problem.

The Series of Water-Jug Problems Described in the Text Illustrates