representativitetsheuristik

Representativitetsheuristik, also known as representativeness heuristic, is a cognitive shortcut used by individuals to make judgments and decisions quickly and efficiently. This heuristic involves assessing the likelihood of an event or situation by comparing it to a prototype or a stereotype. For example, when evaluating whether a person is a doctor, one might judge them based on whether they resemble the typical image of a doctor, such as someone wearing a white coat and stethoscope.

The representativitetsheuristik is particularly useful in situations where there is limited information or time to process complex data. However, it can also lead to systematic errors, known as biases, when the prototype or stereotype is not an accurate representation of the group. For instance, this heuristic might cause someone to overestimate the likelihood of a person being a doctor if they resemble the stereotypical image, even if the person is not actually a doctor.

Research in cognitive psychology has shown that the representativitetsheuristik is a fundamental aspect of human cognition, influencing various aspects of perception, memory, and decision-making. Despite its potential for error, this heuristic plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to navigate the complex world efficiently.