Which term refers to a common sense rule or rule of thumb used to guide investigation or problem solving?

Which term refers to a common sense rule or rule of thumb used to guide investigation or problem solving?

• A. Heuristics
• B. Ruse
• C. Ruminate
• D. Pusillanimous

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is practical shortcuts that guide how we investigate or solve problems. Heuristics are mental rules of thumb—simple, quick strategies that help us make good-enough judgments when time or information is limited. They streamline thinking and often work well, though they can sometimes lead to mistakes because they skip deeper analysis. Ruse is about deception or trickery used to mislead someone, so it’s not a problem-solving method. Ruminate means to ponder or think deeply for a long time, which isn’t about using a quick shortcut. Pusillanimous describes cowardice or timidity, unrelated to problem-solving strategies.

The main idea here is practical shortcuts that guide how we investigate or solve problems. Heuristics are mental rules of thumb—simple, quick strategies that help us make good-enough judgments when time or information is limited. They streamline thinking and often work well, though they can sometimes lead to mistakes because they skip deeper analysis.

Ruse is about deception or trickery used to mislead someone, so it’s not a problem-solving method. Ruminate means to ponder or think deeply for a long time, which isn’t about using a quick shortcut. Pusillanimous describes cowardice or timidity, unrelated to problem-solving strategies.