Which term refers to a mental shortcut used in problem-solving that helps to reduce the complexity of choices?

Heuristics refer to mental shortcuts that allow individuals to solve problems and make decisions more efficiently by reducing the complexity of choices. These cognitive strategies streamline the thought process by focusing on relevant aspects and ignoring less significant details, which can be particularly useful in situations where time is limited or when dealing with uncertainty. Heuristics are often based on prior experiences and commonly involve rule-of-thumb approaches that, while not always optimal, often lead to satisfactory solutions in everyday problem-solving.

In contrast, the other terms mentioned relate to different cognitive processes: metacognition involves awareness and understanding of one’s thought processes, algorithms refer to step-by-step procedures that guarantee a solution if correctly applied, and insight is the sudden realization of a solution to a problem. While all these terms play a role in cognition and problem-solving, heuristics specifically highlight the use of simplified strategies to navigate complexity effectively.