Read the example below and answer the question that follows. John was asked to solve a series of six math problems. He was able to solve the first five problems using a specific sequence of operations. John got stuck on the sixth problem because the solution he used before did not work. John is most likely experiencing __________.

A mental set is a tendency to keep using a strategy that worked before, even when it no longer works. John solved the first five problems with the same sequence of operations, then got stuck when he tried to use it on the sixth. This describes mental set, not functional fixedness, which involves difficulty seeing a new use for an object.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.