Question

Thinking
Think about the hundreds of decisions you made this week. Which of the heuristics (mental shortcuts) or tendencies described in chapter 8 did you employ? Provide at least 3 examples.

Answer 1

Heuristics (mental shortcuts) play a very important role in our daily lives for both problem-solving and decision-making. We turn to Heuristics when we need a quick solution or a decision. These rely on limited information and employ simple computational mechanisms unlike Algorithms. But heuristics are not always right as they sometimes lead to faulty decision. Very common examples of application of heuristics that we all employ in everyday life are:

1. What should I take to work today, the bus or the car? According to experience there is always a huge traffic jam on the way to work during the hour and taking either does not make any difference as both reach at the same time. Decision - Take the bus. Why? You do not have to drive and exert too much. Shortcut is based on Comfort.

2. What should I have for lunch, Salad or a Burger? Decision - Salad. Why? According to experience, Salad is healthier to burger especially when you ae trying to reduce fat intake or on a diet. Shortcut is based on Health.

3. Internet router stopped, what should I do? Decision - Switch off the modem and restart it. It will work. Why? Previously, whenever router would not work, we would call on the helpline for help. The technician would always ask us to try this step first and most of the times it always worked unless it was some other problem. Shortcut is based on previous experience.