When Howie's old girlfriend used to get upset with him, he could smooth things over by buying flowers or chocolates for her. He keeps trying this strategy with his current girlfriend, but she gets angry with him each time

It appears that Howie has developed _______________which is interfering with the development of a new relationship strategy.
A) a mental set
B) an anchoring effect
C) a prototype
D) a goal state

Answer: A
Rationale: A mental set is a cognitive obstacle that occurs when an individual attempts to apply a routine solution to what is actually a new type of problem.