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heuristic

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.02 sec.
heu·ris·tic  (hy-rstk)
adj.
1. Of or relating to a usually speculative formulation serving as a guide in the investigation or solution of a problem: "The historian discovers the past by the judicious use of such a heuristic device as the 'ideal type'" (Karl J. Weintraub).
2. Of or constituting an educational method in which learning takes place through discoveries that result from investigations made by the student.
3. Computer Science Relating to or using a problem-solving technique in which the most appropriate solution of several found by alternative methods is selected at successive stages of a program for use in the next step of the program.
n.
1. A heuristic method or process.
2. heuristics (used with a sing. verb) The study and application of heuristic methods and processes.

[From Greek heuriskein, to find.]

heu·risti·cal·ly adv.

heuristic [hjʊəˈrɪstɪk]
adj
1. helping to learn; guiding in discovery or investigation
2. (Social Science / Education) (of a method of teaching) allowing pupils to learn things for themselves
3. (Mathematics)
a.  Maths Science Philosophy using or obtained by exploration of possibilities rather than by following set rules
b.  Computing denoting a rule of thumb for solving a problem without the exhaustive application of an algorithm a heuristic solution
n
(plural) the science of heuristic procedure
[from New Latin heuristicus, from Greek heuriskein to discover]
heuristically  adv
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.heuristic - a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
formula, rule - (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems; "he determined the upper bound with Descartes' rule of signs"; "he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials"
lateral thinking - a heuristic for solving problems; you try to look at the problem from many angles instead of tackling it head-on
Adj.1.heuristic - of or relating to or using a general formulation that serves to guide investigation
algorithmic - of or relating to or having the characteristics of an algorithm
Translations
heuristic [hjʊəˈrɪstɪk] ADJheurístico
heuristic searchinvestigación f heurística
heuristic [hjʊəˈrɪstɪk] adj [method] → heuristique
heuristic
adjheuristisch
n heuristics singHeuristik f


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
To demonstrate the heuristic value of the working memory model, I discuss two studies.
Therefore, this study examines specific misconceptions involving the representativeness heuristic and the conjunction fallacy of future K-8 teachers with the thought that a better understanding of these misconceptions will guide curricular reforms and lead future teachers to a solid background in probability and statistics.
School leaders often act in order to think and frequently use heuristic thinking (that is, rules of thumb) to drive decision making.
 
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