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8 Types of Heuristics

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A heuristic is a practical approach to intelligence that isn't guaranteed to be optimal or accurate. Humans naturally use heuristics in cognition to overcome processing limitations of the brain by creating approximations. Similar approaches are taken in science and computing to calculate answers that are reasonably accurate. Heuristics can be several orders of magnitude faster than calculating an exact answer to a problem. The following are common types of heuristics.

Algorithms

It is common for algorithms to be heuristics that approximate solutions to complex problems. For example, a search engine algorithm may accept search terms and determine the most relevant match from a very large number of documents. This requires a heuristic because there is no universally correct answer to a search and even if there was it would likely take too long to calculate.

Cognitive Biases

Cognitive biases are patterns of thought that tend to lead to suboptimal results. In many cases, cognitive biases result from highly inaccurate heuristics.

Educated Guess

The ability to develop a theory about something when information is missing typically requires a heuristic approach.

Intuition

Intuition is a type of high speed judgment that originates in the subconscious. It isn't well understood but appears to be heuristic in nature.

Rule Of Thumb

A heuristic that is consciously adopted to solve problems and make decisions.

Situational Intelligence

A type of intelligence that is used to make decisions in fast moving situations such as driving a car. Heavily relies on heuristics due to the short time frames involved.

Social Heuristic

The tendency for people to use social information in decision making and problem solving. Social information is often vague and non-specific meaning that it typically requires a heuristic to interpret.

Stereotypes

A stereotype is a generalization that isn't necessarily accurate but may be useful nonetheless. For example, a person may have a stereotype that all potato chips are too salty. It's not always true but it may aid the person's decision making nonetheless. The term stereotype generally has a negative connotation as it's associated with particularly negative cognitive biases.

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Problem Solving

An overview of problem solving with examples.

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A list of thinking approaches and types.

Workaround

A definition of workaround with examples.

Creative Thinking

A list of common creative thinking techniques.

Problems

A list of common types of problems.

Analysis Paralysis

The definition of analysis paralysis with examples.

Arrow Of Time

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Decision Framing

The definition of decision framing with examples.

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A few logic terms explained.

Law Of Excluded Middle

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Causality

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Magical Thinking

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