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Related Concept Videos

Heuristics01:21

Heuristics

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Heuristics are problem-solving strategies that use mental shortcuts to simplify decision-making. Unlike algorithms, which must be followed precisely to achieve a correct result, heuristics offer a general problem-solving framework. They save time and energy but can sometimes lead to less rational decisions.
People often rely on heuristics when faced with an overload of information, limited time, low importance of the decision, limited information, or when a heuristic readily comes to mind. For...
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The Availability Heuristic01:08

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A heuristic is a general problem-solving framework (Tversky & Kahneman, 1974). You can think of these as mental shortcuts that are used to solve problems. Different types of heuristics are used in different types of situations, and the impulse to use a heuristic occurs when one of five conditions is met (Pratkanis, 1989):
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The Representativeness Heuristic02:13

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The representative heuristic describes a biased way of thinking, in which you unintentionally stereotype someone or something. For example, you may assume that your professors spend their free time reading books and engaging in intellectual conversation, because the idea of them spending their time playing volleyball or visiting an amusement park does not fit in with your stereotypes of professors.
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Reason and Intuition01:37

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The human brain processes information for decision-making using one of two routes: an intuitive system and a rational system (Epstein, 1994; popularized by Kahneman, 2011 as System 1 and System 2, respectively). The intuitive system is quick, impulsive, and operates with minimal effort, relying on emotions or habits to provide cues for what to do next, while the rational system is logical, analytical, deliberate, and methodical. Research in neuropsychology suggests that the...
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The Anchoring-and-Adjustment Heuristic01:25

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In order to make good decisions, we use our knowledge and our reasoning. Often, this knowledge and reasoning is sound and solid. However, sometimes, we are swayed by biases or by others manipulating a situation. For example, let’s say you and three friends wanted to rent a house and had a combined target budget of $1,600. The realtor shows you only very run-down houses for $1,600 and then shows you a very nice house for $2,000. Might you ask each person to pay more in rent to get the...
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Problem-Solving01:29

Problem-Solving

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Effective problem-solving consists of two steps: 1. identifying the problem and 2. selecting the appropriate problem-solving strategy (i.e., a plan of action used to find a solution). Humans use four problem-solving strategies:
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Why Heuristics Work.

Gerd Gigerenzer1

  • 1Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany gigerenzer@mpib-berlin.mpg.de.

Perspectives on Psychological Science : a Journal of the Association for Psychological Science
|July 10, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The adaptive toolbox theory views the mind as modules of heuristics. Ecological rationality identifies when these heuristics succeed or fail, improving real-world decision-making.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Decision Science

Background:

  • The adaptive toolbox theory models the mind as a modular system.
  • This system comprises heuristics, their components, and evolved cognitive capacities.
  • Existing research describes heuristic selection and structure within environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the adaptive toolbox theory and its implications for ecological rationality.
  • To identify environmental structures influencing heuristic success and failure.
  • To apply these findings to enhance professional decision-making.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive analysis of heuristic selection and structure in social and physical environments.
  • Prescriptive analysis of ecological rationality to determine optimal environments for heuristics.
  • Empirical evaluation of heuristic and environmental design for decision support.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that specific heuristics succeed or fail based on environmental structures.
  • Provided insights into the selection and organization of heuristics within the adaptive toolbox.
  • Validated the use of designed heuristics and environments for improving professional judgment.

Conclusions:

  • The adaptive toolbox and ecological rationality offer a framework for understanding cognitive decision-making.
  • Understanding environmental influences is key to optimizing heuristic performance.
  • This research has practical applications in enhancing professional decision-making through tailored heuristics and environments.