Heuristics
"Heuristic is the art and science of discovery and invention. The word comes from the same Greek root as "eureka": εὑρισκω, which means "I find". A heuristic is a way of directing your attention fruitfully. The term was introduced by Pappus of Alexandria in the 4th century." (Wikipedia, 2005).
"Some commonplace heuristics, all from How to Solve It [Pólya, 1945]:
If you are having difficulty understanding a problem, try drawing a picture.
If you can't find a solution, try assuming that you have a solution and seeing what you can derive from that ("working backward").
If the problem is abstract, try examining a concrete example.
Try solving a more general problem first (the "inventor's paradox": the more ambitious plan may have more chances of success). " (Wikipedia, 2005).
Heuristics is
the development of methods and rules for the construction of theories and theorems
on a non-deductive basis (as opposed to
algorithms which provide deductive foundations for
such constructions).
The heuristic method may be understood as a special case of the
trial and error method, i.e. random attempts
until a solution is found. There is no secure way. When a solution is found it
may, however, be tested with scientific rigor and its truth or falsity may be
established.
The heuristic method is different from the deductive method in its application of assumptions, analogies, working hypothesis, and different kinds of models.
Heuristics is
different from "trial and error" by not using arbitrary assumptions
but apply a qualified basis from concepts, models and hypotheses.
Advanced computer programs such as chess programs apply a combination of
algorithmic and heuristic methods. A heuristic rule in chess may be: "try to
control the middle of the board".
In information science defines Harter (1986, p. 245): "Heuristic: a mental
operation, tactic, behavior or attitude that tends to produce useful results in
certain problem-solving situations; a move made to advance a particular search
strategy" Chapter seven in his book is about heuristics in
search strategy.
Literature:
Harter, S. P. (1986). Online Information Retrieval. Concepts, Principles and Techniques. New York: Academic Press, Inc. ("Search Strategies and Heuristics" pp. 170-204).
Pólya, G.
(1945). How to solve it: a new aspect of mathematical method. Princeton,
N. J., Princeton University Press. (Reprinted 1990 by Penguin).
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.(2005). Heuristics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heuristics
See also: Algorithm; Information search strategy;
Birger Hjørland
Last edited: 24-01-2006