Based on the use of an efficient trial-and error method to search a space of possible solutions to a problem, or to find an acceptable approximate solution, when an exact algorithmic method is unavailable or too time-consuming.
A theory or approach which serves to promote discovery or learning by encouraging experimentation.
a general principle or rule of thumb that guides problem solving, though it does not guarantee a correct solution. (316)
Describes an approach based on common sense rules and trial and error, rather than on comprehensive theory.
An algorithm that cannot be shown to find an optimal solution.
Problem analysis based on informal judgment or experience versus data manipulation.
(see also textbook glossary) A simple procedure that may provide a solution to a problem with less effort than using an algorithm.
pertaining to exploratory methods of problem solving in which solutions are discovered by evaluation of the progress made toward the end result. Contrast algorithmic.
A rule of thumb for solving a problem, more information ...
An heuristic is a rule of thumb that is used to assist in reducing the search space for finding the solution to a problem. You will often see this term used in management science modeling solution methods, as well as in the literature on artificial intelligence and expert systems. Unlike an algorithm, which guarantees the user that a final optimal solution has been reached, an heuristic only provides some greater likelihood of obtaining that solution. The use of heuristics often aids in speeding computational performance for average cases. However, they may actually perform worse when the case that is under investigation is quite different from that which the heuristic is best able to deal with.
In mathematical programming, this usually means a procedure that seeks a solution but does not guarantee it will find one. It is often used in contrast to an algorithm, so branch and bound would be not be considered a heuristic in this sense. In AI, however, a heuristic is an algorithm (with some guarantees) that uses a heuristic function.
A form of evidence based in judgments, logic, or rules of thumb, for example, a safety rule of thumb during an investigation is never to let a hostile client get between you and the door. A heuristic is personal knowledge and inexact reasoning that enables a person to make educated guesses, to recognize promising approaches to problems, and to work with error laden or incomplete information, for example, rules of thumb or judgments.
This term is sometimes used to describe one of the functions of myths, to facilitate the analyst's discovery of important meanings, latent in mythology, that may be applied to one's own life experience. Though related to the pedagogical or teaching function, the heuristic function differs in emphasizing the active participation of the reader in constructing an underlying meaning for himself or herself.
routine A problem solving approach, not a direct step-by-step procedure, but a trial-and-error approach frequently involving the act of learning.
Generally speaking, a heuristic is a "rule of thumb," or a good guide to follow ...
This is an algorithm that uses a short-cut or educated guess in order to reduce the amount of time necessary to execute an algorithm or method.
Pertaining to a method or problem solving in which solutions are discovered by evaluation of the progress made toward the final solution, such as a controlled trial and error method. An exploratory method of tackling a problem, or sequencing of investigation, experimentation, and trial solution in closed loops, gradually closing in on the solution. A heuristic approach usually implies or encourages further investigation, and makes use of intuitive decisions and inductive logic in the absence of direct proof known to the user. Thus, heuristic methods lead to solutions of problems or inventions through continuous analysis of results obtained thus far, permitting a determination of the next step. A stochastic method assumes a solution on the basis of intuitive conjecture or speculation and testing the solution against known evidence, observations, or measurements. The stochastic approach tends to omit intervening or intermediate steps toward a solution. Contrast with stochastic and algorithmic.
The art and science of discovery. This process differs by discipline and profession. For example, a visual artist, chef, and an anthropologist want to find out why meals prepared by a restaurant in a small town in Texas is widely lauded. The artist looks at sensory information, the chef examines processes and ingredients, and the anthropologist investigates the environment, activities, demographics of the populace, and perceptions of diners. Heuristic Evaluation of Interface Usability form Jakob Neilsen Algo-heuristic Theory (Landa) Idiosyncratic (n.) Any characteristic, attitude, or behavior that departs from the customary and appears somewhat unusual or unexpected. Action research requires skills that are not easily categorized or habitualized; these skills are interpersonal, social, intellectual, and responsive, all of which help to gain acceptance. They are idiosyncratic in that they are not customarily associated with research grounded in objectivism.
a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
a cognitive psychology construct that refers to implicit thinking devices that individuals use to oversimplify complex, information-processing tasks
a design principle or rule of thumb that has been incorporated into a computer algorithm
a fallible idea or method that may help solve a problem
a guide, a rule of thumb, a learn as you go strategy, typified by trial and error
a higher order psychological adaptation, a useful mental shortcut, an approximation, or a rule-of-thumb, specialised for certain classes of problem, for guiding search and enabling adaptive decision-making
a method of determining an approximate solution, rather than an exact solution
a method that might not always find the best solution but is guaranteed to find a good solution in reasonable time
an incomplete guideline or rule of thumb that can lead to learning or discovery
a procedure or strategy for solving a problem, and more specifically, one that leads to discovery or invention
a rule for exploring a search space that can help you get close to an optimal solution when you cannot explore the entire search space
a "rule-of-thumb", advice that helps an AI (Artificial Intelligence) program or human think and act more efficiently by directing thinking in an useful direction
a rule of thumb, a method or procedure based on common sense, a general principle that that is roughly correct
a rule of thumb, as opposed to a strict requirement
a rule or well-established standard
a rule that gives the right answer most of the time, as opposed to an algorithm, a rule that always works
a rule that provides a shortcut to solving difficult problems
a search procedure that may give an optimal (best) solution to a problem but offers no guarantee of doing so
a technique designed to come up with the best possible solution that cannot be proved to be correct
a useful but potentially fallible problem-solving strategy, such as checking to make sure that an unresponsive appliance is plugged in before assuming that it is broken or to castle in order to try and protect your king from capture in a chess game
a way of thinking about a topic which is convenient even if not absolutely true
Pertaining to, or helping in, discovery.
A rule of thumb or guideline (as opposed to an invariant procedure). Heuristics may not always achieve the desired outcome, but are extremely valuable to problem-solving processes.
a way to measure a user's unique identity. This measure uses deduction or inference based on a rule or algorithm which is valid for that server. For example, the combination of IP address and user agent can be used to identify a user in some cases. If a server receives a new request from the same client within 30 minutes, it is inferred that a new request comes from the same user and the time since the last page request was spent viewing the last page. Also referred to as an inference.
procedure used to provide solutions to decision problem s but which are not guarantee d as best or optimal because they often depend on good judgment in the first place. Literally, leading toward discovery, finding out. [D02820] RMW
An approach to systems or problem-solving using rules based on business practice, experience, or expert intuition rather than quantitative optimization.
A rule of thumb that describes how things are commonly understood, without resorting to deeper or more formal knowledge. See also: Model-based reasoning.
A branch of logic dealing with discovery and invention usually used, in the medical context, to find out answers.
Rule of thumb. A rule that proves helpful in most (though not all) cases.
Serving as an aid to learning, discovery, or inquiry.
A general principle or rule of thumb that can guide a design decision or be used to critique a decision that has already been made.
a problem-solving strategy, trick, simplification, etc. which drastically limits searches for solutions in large problem spaces and improves problem-solving performance.
Problem solving using non-analytical techniques eg de Bono's "Lateral" thinking and other creative thinking techniques.
A method for discovery, a procedure for solving a problem, a technique that operates as a vehicle for creative formulation.
A rule of thumb which may help in solving a problem, but is not guaranteed to find a solution. A method for cutting down useless searching amongst possibilities. Heuristics provide much of the knowledge contained in expert systems. Constrasts with algorithmic procedures. See also Knowledge-Based Systems.
A “rule of thumb” that serves as a guide in cognitive tasks such as problem solving.
A rule of thumb or a technique based on experience and for which our knowledge is incomplete. A heuristic rule works with useful regularity but not necessarily all the time. More generally, a heuristic is any knowledge that reduces the amount of search.
A computational method that uses trial and error methods to approximate a solution for computationally difficult problems.
The process of discovery by proceeding empirically without definitively knowing the means.
In problem solving, a strategy that can be applied to a variety of problems and that usually, but not always, yields a correct solution.
An exploratory method of problem solving in which solutions are arrived at by an interactive, self-learning method.
In artificial intelligence, a rule of thumb, generally based on expert experience or common sense rather than an underlying theory or mathematical model, that can be incorporated in a knowledge base and used to guide a problem-solving process. Most procedures used by human weather forecasters are heuristic, as are many pattern-recognition techniques in radar and satellite meteorology.
A simple rule of thumb used to make judgments or decisions.
A heuristic is a replicable method or approach for directing one's attention in learning, discovery, or problem-solving. It is originally derived from the Greek "heurisko" , which means "I find". (A form of the same verb is found in Archimedes' famous exclamation "eureka!" – "I have found [it]!")
In computer science, besides the common use as "rule of thumb" (see heuristic), the term heuristic has two well-defined technical meanings.