Every time he loses his wallet, Ricardo cannot stop checking the back pocket of the pants he is wearing. He knows the wallet is not there, and yet he continues to put his hand in the pocket to check just "one more time." This tendency to try to solve problems in the same way every time is called ________.
A) a mental set
B) a means-end analysis
C) noncompensatory modeling
D) prototypical idealization

Question

Every time he loses his wallet, Ricardo cannot stop checking the back pocket of the pants he is wearing. He knows the wallet is not there, and yet he continues to put his hand in the pocket to check just "one more time." This tendency to try to solve problems in the same way every time is called ________.
A) a mental set 
B) a means-end analysis
C) noncompensatory modeling
D) prototypical idealization

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mental set is a tendency to approach problems in a fixed way, using a familiar method or approach that may not always be the most effective. This can lead to an inability to see new solutions or to adapt to changing circumstances. In the case of Ricardo checking the same pocket repeatedly, it is an example of a mental set.

Every Time He Loses His Wallet, Ricardo Cannot Stop Checking