Final answer:
The statement is true, reflecting context-dependent problem-solving abilities where people may struggle with problems in novel contexts despite previous success. This phenomenon is connected to cognitive psychology concepts such as context-dependent memory and transfer of learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement suggests that the researcher has observed what is known as context-dependent problem-solving abilities. The scenario described is true, as it highlights the difficulty that people can have when transferring learned skills or solutions to problems to new and different contexts.
In many cases, problem-solving skills and knowledge acquired in one setting may not automatically generalize to another due to various factors such as the specificity of the learning environment, cognitive load, or lack of recognition of the underlying principles that can be applied universally. This phenomenon where a person might struggle with solving a problem in a novel context, despite successfully solving a similar problem in a specific context, can be connected to studies in cognitive psychology that address context-dependent memory and transfer of learning.
Experimentation and problem-solving are crucial for understanding underlying principles and developing analytical thinking. However, it requires practice, adaptability, and often a deeper comprehension that goes beyond the mechanical application of an algorithm or a procedure to solve problems effectively in varying contexts, as this comprehension facilitates the transfer of knowledge.