Find over 25,000 psychological definitions


mental set

1. a temporary readiness to perform certain psychological functions that influences the response to a situation or stimulus, such as the tendency to apply a previously successful technique in solving a new problem. It is often determined by instructions but need not be. Essentially synonymous with the older term Einstellung, mental set is the embodiment of the earlier concepts of Aufgabe and determining tendency.

2. the situation in which a preparedness to perform one type of task causes a decrement in the ability to perform on some other category of task. See task switching.

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

March 28th 2024

positive exercise addiction

positive exercise addiction

an inordinate attraction to habitual physical exercise that brings about an enhanced sense of physical and psychological well-being. Compare negative exercise addiction.