Heuristics are mental shortcuts or "rules of thumb" that often involve focusing on one aspect of a complex problem and ignoring others. These strategies do not guarantee accuracy but they simplify decision-making and save time.
Imagine heuristics as using GPS navigation while driving. Instead of considering every possible route yourself (which would be very time-consuming), you rely on GPS which quickly suggests an efficient route based on certain rules like shortest distance or least traffic.
Availability Heuristic: A mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to mind when evaluating a specific topic, concept, method or decision.
Representativeness Heuristic: A cognitive bias in which an individual categorizes a situation based on a pattern of previous experiences or beliefs about the scenario.
Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.
Which of the following best illustrates the use of heuristics in problem-solving?
In what situation would heuristics most likely lead to correct problem solving?
How has the concept of heuristics evolved in our understanding of decision-making?
What is an ethical consideration when employing heuristics in problem-solving situations?
What is the purpose of heuristics in decision-making?
How might the over-reliance on heuristics lead to unethical decision-making in psychological research?
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