Heuristics

Question 1

Heuristics

Answer 1

“Rules of thumb” that provide a best-guess solution to a problem
Purpose: conserve mental energy
Based on experience

Question 2

Benefits of heuristics

Answer 2

Fast
Can act on incomplete information (safer)
Mostly correct

Question 3

Theory of unconscious inference

Answer 3

Hermann von Helmholtz (1850s)

Perceptions are the result of unconscious assumptions that we make about the enviornment

Question 4

Law of simplicity

Answer 4

Gestalt heuristic
“Cop-out answer”
Every stimulus is perceived in the simplest way

Question 5

Similarity

Answer 5

Gestalt heuristic

We are likely to group things together that are similar

Question 6

Good continuation

Answer 6

Gestalt heuristic

Different points in a figure are connected to create one specific piece of the figure

Question 7

Familiarity/meaningfulness

Answer 7

Gestalt heuristic

We group things together when they are familiar and meaningful to us

Question 8

Proximity

Answer 8

Gestalt heuristic

Things near another tend to be grouped together

Question 9

Common fate

Answer 9

Gestalt heuristic

Things that move together tend to be grouped together