What is a simple thinking strategy that helps to make judgments and solve problems efficiently?

A heuristic is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb that allows people to make judgments and solve problems quickly and efficiently. This approach simplifies complex decision-making processes, enabling individuals to arrive at solutions without extensive deliberation or analysis. Heuristics often draw on past experiences and readily available information, streamlining cognitive efforts when facing everyday scenarios or when time is limited.

For example, when trying to decide which restaurant to go to among many options, one might use the heuristic of picking the one with the best rating they recall, rather than thoroughly comparing every single aspect of each restaurant. This strategy can be particularly useful in situations where quick decisions are required or when resources are constrained.

The other mentioned concepts serve different functions in cognitive processes. Functional fixedness refers to the inability to see an object or tool being used in a way other than its intended function, which can hinder problem-solving. Implicit memory is the unconscious retention of information that influences behavior or thought processes without conscious awareness. Long-term memory involves the storage of information over extended periods, which does not inherently provide a strategy for quick judgment or problem-solving.