A mental shortcut or rule of thumb that allows for quick problem-solving but does not guarantee a correct solution.

• A. Heuristic
• B. Algorithm
• C. Availability Heuristic
• D. Representativeness Heuristic

Answer: (A)

A heuristic is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb used to solve problems quickly. It fits the description because it helps you make fast judgments without analyzing every possibility, but it doesn’t guarantee a correct solution. In contrast, an algorithm is a precise, step-by-step procedure that will produce a correct answer if followed, though it may take more time. The availability heuristic and the representativeness heuristic are specific types of shortcuts that rely on what’s most readily recalled or what something resembles a typical example, respectively—both are particular instances of the broader idea of using quick judgments rather than thorough analysis.