AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A heuristic is a rule-of-thumb, or a guide toward what behavior is appropriate for a certain situation. Heuristics are also known as “mental shortcuts” (Kahneman, 2011). Such shortcuts can aid us when we face time pressure to decide, or when conditions are complex and our attention is divided.

Detailed explanation-2: -A problem-solving heuristic is an informal, intuitive, speculative procedure that leads to a solution in some cases but not in others. The fact that the outcome of applying a heuristic is unpredictable means that the strategy can be either more or less effective than using an algorithm.

Detailed explanation-3: -An algorithm is a rule of thumb that is often useful in solving problems. Trial and error is similar to systematic searching, except that it is more haphazard. To use an analogy, break down a problem into parts and deal with each part individually.

Detailed explanation-4: -Definitions of heuristic rule. a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem. synonyms: heuristic, heuristic program. types: lateral thinking. a heuristic for solving problems; you try to look at the problem from many angles instead of tackling it head-on.