What term describes a simplified decision-making process often referred to as a rule of thumb?

The term that describes a simplified decision-making process commonly known as a rule of thumb is a heuristic. Heuristics are cognitive shortcuts that allow individuals to make decisions quickly and efficiently, often based on past experiences or common sense. They help in navigating complex decisions without the need for exhaustive analysis, making them practical in everyday situations.

For instance, when faced with the choice of which route to take during a commute, one might use the heuristic of choosing a path that appears less congested based on prior knowledge, rather than calculating the travel times of multiple routes in detail. Heuristics are effective because they save time and cognitive resources, although they can sometimes lead to biases or errors.

The other terms refer to different concepts. An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that guarantees a solution, making it more systematic and comprehensive than a heuristic. Fixation refers to an inability to see a problem from a new perspective, and a mental set is a tendency to approach situations in a particular way, often based on previous experiences, which can inhibit creative problem-solving. The distinctions among these terms clarify why heuristic is the appropriate choice in this context.