Estimating the probability of an event based on how quickly or easily examples come to mind or how much information is available at the time.

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

Answer: (D)

Availability heuristic is at play when you estimate how likely something is based on how easily you can bring similar examples to mind or on how much information is readily available. If vivid, recent, or easily recalled events pop into your thoughts, you tend to treat them as more probable than they actually are. This explains why dramatic news coverage can make rare events feel common, while everyday risks you don’t think about as much seem less likely.

An algorithm is a fixed, step-by-step procedure for solving problems, not a mental shortcut for judging probability. A mental set refers to sticking to familiar ways of thinking or solving problems, which can hinder finding new solutions. The representativeness heuristic involves judging probability based on how much something resembles a typical case, rather than on how easily it comes to mind or how much information is available.