Which problem-solving method involves repeated unsystematic attempts until a desired outcome is achieved?

The identified problem-solving method that involves repeated unsystematic attempts until a desired outcome is achieved is trial and error. This approach entails trying various strategies or solutions to a problem without a structured plan or systematic approach, learning from mistakes along the way. Each attempt can lead to insights about what does or does not work, ultimately guiding the individual toward a solution through repetition and adjustment based on past experiences.

In contrast, the other options refer to different cognitive strategies. The representativeness heuristic is a mental shortcut used to make judgments based on how closely something resembles a typical case, rather than through systematic exploration. Analogies involve deriving insights from comparing two different situations to find similarities that might inform a solution, rather than engaging in repeated attempts. Causation bias relates to the tendency to assume a cause-and-effect relationship where none exists, influencing decision-making in a different vein than the pragmatic process of trial and error.