Which heuristic uses examples that readily come to mind to solve new problems?

The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to a person's mind when evaluating a specific topic, concept, method, or decision. This heuristic operates on the principle that if something can be recalled easily, it is often perceived as more common or more likely to occur.

When faced with a new problem, individuals often recall past experiences or incidents that they can easily remember, using those examples to inform their current decision-making. For instance, if someone frequently hears about airplane accidents in the news, they may overestimate the dangers of flying, despite its statistical safety. This reliance on readily available information can both positively and negatively influence judgment and problem solving.

In contrast, the other choices do not specifically embody this mechanism. The representativeness heuristic relies on comparing situations based on stereotypical or representative traits rather than recollections. Trial and error constitutes a problem-solving method where various options are tried until a successful solution is found, rather than recalling past instances. Belief perseverance refers to the tendency to hold onto one's beliefs even when faced with contradicting evidence, rather than informing decisions based on past experiences.