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A mental set is our concept of a specific idea, object, or category. It is how we think of something, the stereotypes we have assigned to that something, and our prototypical example. When specifically referring to a mental set in terms of problem solving (a type of thinking), a mental set is a tendency to approach a problem in particular way, usually based on how we approached a similar problem in the past. Maybe you are given a word puzzle, and because the previous example was just converting the alphabet into numbers, you try to look for a similar pattern in this word puzzle; this is a mental set at work. Functional fixedness, which can also be a hindrance to problem solving, is a tendency to only think of the usual uses for an object. For example, you may go fishing, and instead of bringing your tackle box (contains fishing lures, hooks, etc.), you bring a sewing kit. If you are suffering from functional fixedness, you may not consider the fact that you can use a sewing needle as a hook, string as fishing line, and feathers and cloth as fishing lures.

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The tendency to perceive and approach problems in the same ways that have worked in the past is called what?

This type of problem solving is referred to using a heuristic. Specifically in this case, a familiarity heuristic where the assumption is made that past behaviors can be correctly applied to the current situation.


Is mental imagery epiphenomenal?

The debate around mental imagery being epiphenomenal is ongoing. Some argue that mental imagery has a functional role in cognition, influencing behavior and thought processes. Others suggest that mental imagery may be a byproduct of cognitive processes without direct causal influence.


What is the difference between narcissism and megalomania?

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by excessive self-love and a need for admiration, while megalomania is a mental disorder where a person has delusions of grandeur and power.


Whats the difference between therapist and psychologist?

A therapist is a broader term that refers to professionals who provide therapy or counseling services to help individuals cope with mental health issues. A psychologist is a specific type of mental health professional who has advanced training in psychology and is qualified to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions using psychotherapy and psychological testing.


What's the difference between mental breakdown and emotional break down and is there any other types of breakdowns?

The difference between a mental breakdown and an emotional one is that a mental breakdown can range from an emotional response to a full on psychotic episode. An emotional breakdown usually only involves emotions. Another type of breakdown would be a physical one.

Related Questions

What is the difference between functional and organic mental disorder?

Organic Mental Health problems have an identifiable physical cause; such as in the dementias or some people with brain injury. Functional Mental Health Problems are not due to simple structural abnormalities of the brain. There is no 100% identifiable cause for these illnesses. The jury is still out.


What is the difference between a marriage and a mental hospital?

Mental hospital is where the married people mend their ways.


What is the difference between passion and enthusiasm?

The difference between passion and enthusiasm is that passion is felt in the heart and soul, enthusiasm is mental


What is the difference between mental illness and mental health?

Mental health is a reflection of your overall emotional well being and mental illness refers to specific problems or disorders


Why is it important to know what the difference between Mental retardation and LD?

Talk to a doctor.


What is the difference between mental math to add decimals like using mental math to add whole numbers?

No difference. Both require you to think it out rather than write it out.


Is there a difference between medical and mental health information?

If you mean in terms of overall confidentiality, such as HIPA, no. Legally, there is some difference.


What are the difference between mental illness and mental disorders?

In mental illness and and mental disorder there is a few difference, like ladies behave funilly when they have their periods, and under gone a operation like that of the hysterectomy they get mood swings , these are mild mental disorders , mental illness is different, they act violently and their medicine is stronger to keep them calm and it takes longer to heal.


What is the difference between mental dysfunction mental illness mental disorders etc?

Mental disturbance is milder (insomnia due to stress). Mental disorder is more severe (anxiety disorder). Mental disease is severest (schizophrenia). The line of treatment, the prognosis differs.


Why was a distinction once made between organic and functional mental disorders?

Some disorders are due to an identifiable pathology, while others are thought to have a psychological origin.


Similarities between DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 classification of mental disorders?

what sim and difference between dsm and icd


What is schitzophrania?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences.

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