Heuristic adj. 1. Of enabling someone to dixcover, investigate, and learn for themselves.
2. Of a speculative formulatoion that guides the investigation or solution of a problem
3. (Computers) of a problem-solving technique via whic the most appropriate solution of , several found, by alternative methods, is selected, at successive stages of a program for use in the next step of the program
n. A Heuristic method or process
Heuristics (with a sing. verb) The study and application of heuristic methodologies
The term "heuristic" refers to a problem-solving or learning approach that involves using practical methods or rules of thumb to make decisions or discover solutions. Derived from the Greek word "heuriskein," meaning "to find" or "discover," heuristics are strategies or techniques that simplify complex problems by focusing on practical, often intuitive, solutions rather than exhaustive or theoretical approaches.
In cognitive psychology, heuristics are mental shortcuts that allow individuals to make judgments and solve problems quickly. For example, the availability heuristic involves assessing the likelihood of an event based on how easily examples come to mind, while the representativeness heuristic involves comparing a situation to a prototype. These heuristics help in decision-making by reducing the cognitive load, though they can sometimes lead to biases or errors.
In fields such as computer science and artificial intelligence, heuristics are used in algorithms to find solutions to problems that are too complex for exact methods. For instance, heuristic algorithms might be employed in search engines, optimization problems, or game strategies to provide good-enough solutions within a reasonable timeframe. Overall, "heuristic" emphasizes practical, experience-based approaches to problem-solving and decision-making, balancing efficiency with accuracy.
Positive Nouns that Describe People
Practical shortcuts,
Heuristic methods guide us—
Insight finds its way.