Final answer:
The false statement regarding mental sets is that it's always more adaptive to have them when solving a problem. A mental set can actually be unhelpful if it leads to rigid thinking and prevents the recognition of new solutions. Functional fixedness is one such mental set that limits creativity by restricting the use of objects to their traditional functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to mental sets and their role in problem solving. The statement that is FALSE regarding mental sets is D. It is always more adaptive to have mental sets when solving a given problem. While mental sets can be useful because they represent a way of thinking about a problem that worked in the past, they are not always adaptive. A mental set can lead to a rigid approach, preventing one from seeing alternative solutions, or adapting to new situations. In fact, being fixated on one way of solving a problem when it no longer works is an example of a mental set being maladaptive.
Functional fixedness is a specific type of mental set where individuals struggle to see objects and concepts beyond their traditional use or definition. This can significantly hinder problem-solving by limiting creativity and the ability to find novel solutions. Overcoming mental sets and functional fixedness, as exemplified by the NASA engineers during the Apollo 13 crisis, can lead to innovative and life-saving solutions. Thus, cognitive flexibility and the ability to discard unhelpful mental sets can be crucial in certain scenarios.
In contrast, heuristics are mental shortcuts that often lead to a solution but can also introduce cognitive biases. While they are efficient, they don't guarantee the best or correct outcome, illustrating that not all cognitive strategies are foolproof. Therefore, to improve problem-solving skills, it is important to recognize when a mental set is unhelpful and be able to adopt different strategies.