Mental Set and Seeing Solutions to Problems

A mental set is a tendency to only see solutions that have worked in the past. This type of fixed thinking can make it difficult to come up with solutions and can impede the problem-solving process.

Overview

When we are solving problems, we tend to fall back on solutions that have worked in the past. In many cases, this is a useful approach that allows us to quickly come up with answers. In some instances, however, this strategy can make it difficult to think of new ways of solving problems.

Functional Fixedness

Functional fixedness is a specific type of mental set where people are only able to see solutions that involve using objects in their normal or expected manner. For example, imagine your vacuum cleaner has stopped working. When it has stopped working in the past, a broken belt was the culprit. Since past experience has taught you the belt is a common issue, you immediately replace the belt again. But, this time the vacuum continues to malfunction.

However, when you ask a friend to come to take a look at the vacuum, they quickly realize one of the hose attachments was not connected, causing the vacuum to lose suction. Because of your mental set, you failed to notice a fairly obvious solution to the problem.

Impact of Past Experiences

In daily life, a mental set may prevent you from solving a relatively minor problem (like figuring out what is wrong with your vacuum cleaner). On a larger scale, mental sets can prevent scientists from discovering answers to real-world problems or make it difficult for a doctor to determine the cause of an illness.

Mental sets can lead to rigid thinking and create difficulties in the problem-solving process. They can also:

• Prevent people from seeing alternative solutions
• Cause people to overlook important information
• Make people less creative
• Lead to errors in judgment

Breaking Mental Sets

One way to break free from a mental set, see alternative solutions, and be more creative is to use the following strategies:

• Look for multiple perspectives: Gather information from as many different sources as possible to develop a more comprehensive understanding of your problem. Try to see the situation from different angles or consider it from alternative perspectives.
• Divergent Thinking: Brainstorm a range of possible solutions without evaluating or judging them. The goal is to generate as many ideas as possible, no matter how unconventional or impractical they may seem.
• Analogous Thinking: Look for problems that are similar to the one you are trying to solve. Studying the solutions to analogous problems may spark new ideas or approaches.
• Avoid Assumptions: Be willing to challenge assumptions and question your own beliefs and those of others. Assumptions can limit your thinking and restrict your ability to see new solutions.
• Seek Out New Experiences: Try to expose yourself to new ideas, cultures, and experiences. Engaging with diverse perspectives and expanding your knowledge can help break mental sets and foster creativity.

Breaking mental sets requires flexibility, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. By using these strategies, you can overcome mental sets and see innovative solutions that others may not be able to perceive.