Final answer:
The scenario provided where a person struggles to solve a problem in a new context supports the situated-cognition approach, emphasizing that problem-solving abilities are intertwined with the context in which one has learned.
Step-by-step explanation:
The observation described in the question supports the situated-cognition approach to problem solving. This approach posits that the ability to solve a problem is deeply influenced by the physical and social context in which an individual learns to solve that problem.
When the context changes, the person may struggle to apply what they have learned to the new situation. This is because, according to situated cognition, knowledge is not abstract and decontextualized; rather, it is tied to the situation in which it was acquired.
For example, if a person learns to solve a math problem using specific tools or references that are available in a classroom setting, they might not be able to solve a similar problem in a different setting where those tools or references aren't available. This phenomenon aligns with Mischel's view that individuals process situations uniquely, using cognitive processes to interpret the specific context before acting.