Two ways to search for a solution
Compare two strategies for searching for a missing key.
The picture in words
- Algorithm
- Apply a defined sequence of steps.
- Heuristic
- Use a practical shortcut to guide the search.
Reading the illustration
Follow each search path. A systematic procedure covers its defined search space; a heuristic uses a useful clue to prioritize a likely place.
Try a question
When could checking the last-used place be useful?
Show the explanation
It gives a plausible starting point and may save time. If the key is elsewhere, the search needs to continue.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/7-3-problem-solvingSelected rendered passages on algorithms, heuristics and functional fixedness, reviewed in the topic-selection research.