Which drawback is linked to relying on past experiences when using mental shortcuts?

Relying on past experiences when using mental shortcuts, also known as heuristics, can indeed inhibit the ability to see alternative solutions. This is because individuals often draw on their previous experiences to make quick judgments, which can create cognitive biases. When one relies too heavily on what has worked in the past, they may overlook new information or different perspectives that could lead to better solutions. This mental shortcut can limit creativity and restrict openness to novel ideas or approaches that could resolve a current issue differently.

In contrast, innovative ideas emerging or consistent decision-making outcomes imply a flexibility and openness to new possibilities, which is not characteristic of an over-reliance on past experiences. Similarly, immediately identifying correct answers benefits from heuristics but can come at the cost of deeper analysis that might reveal alternative solutions. Therefore, the drawback reflected in the ability to inhibit the recognition of different options best aligns with the nature of relying solely on past experiences in decision-making.