Which term refers to a mental shortcut used to simplify decisions, often leading to systematic errors?

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

Answer: (D)

People rely on mental shortcuts to make quick decisions, and these shortcuts are called heuristics. Heuristics speed up thinking by using simple rules of thumb instead of thorough analysis. Because they simplify complex information, they can lead to systematic errors or biases in judgment. The term that captures this general idea of a quick, rule-of-thumb approach is heuristic. An algorithm, by contrast, is a precise sequence that guarantees a correct result, so it’s not a shortcut. A mental set refers to sticking with a familiar approach that can hinder problem solving, not to the broader idea of quick judgment shortcuts. Representativeness is a specific type of heuristic, illustrating the broader concept but not naming the general idea itself.