What type of cognitive bias involves sticking to a familiar solution despite its ineffectiveness?

The concept of a mental set specifically refers to the tendency of individuals to approach problems in a certain way based on past experiences and solutions. This can lead to sticking with familiar methods, even when those methods are no longer effective for solving a given problem.

For instance, if someone has previously solved a problem using a specific approach, they may continue to use that same approach even when it proves ineffective in a new context or situation. This bias can hinder creative problem-solving and limit the exploration of alternative strategies that might be more effective.

Functional fixedness, on the other hand, involves seeing objects only in terms of their typical functions, which does not directly relate to problem-solving strategies. Confirmation bias pertains to the tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions, while anchoring bias refers to the reliance on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions. These biases, while significant, do not specifically address the persistence in using ineffective solutions as described in the question.