heuristic Definition
- 1enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves
- 2a problem-solving approach using practical methods and not necessarily theoretical or optimal ones
- 3a rule of thumb or mental shortcut that aids in the solution of a problem
Using heuristic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "heuristic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The heuristic approach to teaching allows students to learn through discovery.
Example
The company used a heuristic algorithm to solve the complex optimization problem.
Example
Heuristics are often used in decision-making processes to simplify complex situations.
Example
The heuristic method of problem-solving is often more efficient than the theoretical approach.
heuristic Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for heuristic
- practical
- empirical
- experimental
- hands-on
- trial-and-error
Antonyms for heuristic
Phrases with heuristic
a mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to mind when evaluating a specific topic, leading to overestimation of the frequency or likelihood of those examples
Example
The availability heuristic can lead to biased judgments and decisions based on easily recalled examples.
a mental shortcut that relies on the first piece of information encountered when making a decision, which then serves as an anchor for all subsequent judgments
Example
The anchoring heuristic can lead to biased estimates and decisions based on irrelevant initial information.
a mental shortcut that relies on stereotypes or prototypes to make judgments about a specific topic, leading to overgeneralization and neglect of relevant base rates
Example
The representativeness heuristic can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making based on superficial similarities.
Origins of heuristic
from Greek 'heuriskein', meaning 'to find'
Summary: heuristic in Brief
The term 'heuristic' [hyoo-ris-tik] refers to a problem-solving approach that emphasizes practical methods and mental shortcuts. It enables discovery and learning through experience, exemplified by 'The heuristic approach to teaching allows students to learn through discovery.' Heuristics include mental shortcuts like the 'availability heuristic,' which relies on immediate examples, and the 'representativeness heuristic,' which relies on stereotypes. 'Heuristic' is often used in contrast to 'theoretical' or 'optimal.'
