Heuristics are cognitive processes or strategies that people use to make decisions or solve problems quickly and efficiently. They are mental shortcuts that simplify complex decision-making processes by relying on past experiences, intuition, or simple rules of thumb. Heuristics can be beneficial in many situations, as they help individuals make decisions in a timely manner without needing to fully analyze every option. However, heuristics can also lead to errors or biases in decision-making, as they may oversimplify complex problems or rely on faulty assumptions. Researchers in the field of heuristics study how these mental shortcuts work, when they are effective, and when they may lead to suboptimal decisions. They investigate the cognitive mechanisms behind heuristics, their impact on decision-making processes, and strategies for improving decision-making by understanding and harnessing heuristics effectively.