What effect does a mental set have on creativity in problem-solving?

A mental set refers to a tendency to approach problems in a particular way, often based on past experiences and solutions that were successful in similar situations. While this can provide a useful framework for solving familiar problems, it can also limit creativity by constraining the thinker to a narrow range of strategies. When individuals become fixated on a specific method that worked before, they may overlook other potentially innovative approaches or solutions that could emerge if they were willing to think outside their established patterns.

This fixation can reduce flexibility in thinking, preventing individuals from exploring alternative methods or considering different perspectives that could lead to more creative outcomes. Thus, a mental set can inhibit creativity in problem-solving, as it can close off the possibility of using novel ideas or techniques that might be more effective in a new or different context.