Final answer:
It is true that creating an accurate mental model of a familiar problem is easier than for an unfamiliar problem because familiar problems benefit from existing knowledge and established neural pathways.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is indeed true that it would probably be easier to create an accurate mental model of a familiar problem than an unfamiliar problem. Familiarity with a problem allows us to use our prior knowledge and experience to build a mental framework. This mental framework is supported by established neural pathways in the brain that make recalling and processing information about familiar situations more efficient.
When dealing with familiar problems, we can leverage our knowledge and intuition which acts as a useful foundation for building mental models. For example, in the context of mathematical problems, when we understand a concept deeply, we can use that understanding to develop methods or shortcuts that can replicate the right answer without having to strictly follow formal procedures. This is particularly significant in mathematics education, where fostering a strong conceptual understanding can lead to better internal mastery of mathematical workings.
In contrast, unfamiliar problems do not have the same cognitive scaffolding in place, which requires more effortful thinking and engagement with the problem to build a new mental model. As such, mental modeling of unfamiliar problems may not only be more challenging but also more time-consuming and less efficient initially until one gains more familiarity and builds new cognitive frameworks around those problems.