Problem-solving and Einstellung

Einstellung is the development of a mechanized state of mind. Often called a problem solving set, Einstellung refers to a person’s predisposition to solve a given problem in a specific manner even though better or more appropriate methods of solving the problem exist.

Basically the more problems you’ve been exposed to in the past, the more problem-solving techniques you will have. Whilst this is useful, it creates a big downside: your repertoire of techniques hide better possible alternatives.

As they say “science advances one funeral at a time”