: a heuristic (see heuristic entry 1) method or procedure : a process or procedure that involves learning, discovery, or problem-solving by experimental and especially trial-and-error methods

A heuristic is a strategy that ignores part of the information, with the goal of making decisions more quickly, frugally, and/or accurately than more complex methods... [15] — S. Chow, …

A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows an individual to make a decision, pass judgment, or solve a problem quickly and with minimal mental effort.

HEURISTIC definition: serving to indicate or point out; stimulating interest as a means of furthering investigation. See examples of heuristic used in a sentence.

Jan 10, 2026 · Heuristic, in cognitive psychology, a process of intuitive judgment, operating under conditions of uncertainty, that rapidly produces a generally adequate, though not ideal or …

Nov 12, 2025 · Heuristics are mental shortcuts that help us make quick decisions. While heuristics can be helpful, they can lead to cognitive biases and poor choices. Thinking things through a …

But the short version is that ordinary voters rely heavily on party affiliation as a heuristic when deciding who to vote for.