Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam

The term that refers to the misuse of prior knowledge or strategies in new contexts is mental set. A mental set occurs when an individual approaches a problem or situation in a specific way based on past experiences, which can hinder their ability to see alternative solutions. This rigidity leads to repetitive applications of previous strategies, even when they might not be effective in a new context.

For example, if someone has successfully solved a type of math problem using a particular formula, they may become fixed in that method and struggle to adapt their approach when presented with a different but analogous problem that requires a different solution. This highlights the importance of flexibility in cognitive strategies, as relying too heavily on familiar methods can limit problem-solving abilities.

The other terms, while related to cognition, describe different phenomena. Functional fixedness pertains to the inability to see an object as having a different function than its traditional use. Transfer of learning refers to applying knowledge or skills learned in one context to a different but related context. Cognitive bias includes various systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, affecting decision-making and reasoning.