Ravi repairs appliances by testing hypotheses about the cause of the malfunction based on his experiences with the symptoms. He uses -

Question

Accepted Answer

Ravi repairs appliances by testing hypotheses about the cause of the malfunction based on his experiences with the symptoms. This approach aligns with the use of heuristics, which is why Option 4 is the correct answer.

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (Heuristics):**
   Heuristics are mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that people use to make decisions or solve problems quickly and efficiently. In the context of appliance repair, Ravi uses his past experiences and knowledge of symptoms to form educated guesses about what might be causing a malfunction. This method allows him to troubleshoot effectively without systematically testing every possible cause, which would be time-consuming. Heuristics are particularly useful in situations where time is limited, and a quick decision is needed, making them ideal for practical problem-solving tasks like appliance repair.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Insight):** Insight involves a sudden realization or "aha" moment where the solution to a problem becomes clear. While insight can occur during problem-solving, it is not a systematic approach like heuristics. Ravi's method of testing hypotheses based on symptoms and experience is more structured and relies on accumulated knowledge rather than spontaneous insight.

- **Option 2 (Algorithms):** Algorithms are step-by-step procedures that guarantee a correct solution if followed correctly. They are systematic and exhaustive, often used in mathematical or logical problem-solving. Ravi's approach does not involve following a strict, step-by-step procedure for every possible malfunction; instead, he uses his experience to make educated guesses, which is characteristic of heuristics, not algorithms.

- **Option 3 (Mental Set):** A mental set is a tendency to approach problems in a particular way based on past experiences. While Ravi's experience influences his problem-solving, a mental set can sometimes hinder finding new solutions if one is too fixated on past methods. In contrast, heuristics involve flexible thinking and adapting past experiences to new situations, which better describes Ravi's approach.

In summary, Option 4 (Heuristics) is the correct answer because it accurately describes Ravi's method of using experience-based shortcuts to diagnose and repair appliances efficiently.