Thursday, October 28, 2010
Algorithms and Heuristics
After discussing the concept of algorithms and heuristics in class, it made me think about my own methods for solving problems in my everyday life. Most of the time, I find that I think the most clearly and come up with a plausible solution when I do not follow a strict schedule or method. I don't usually find a shortcut that accomplishes what I want to do in the way I want to do it, which means that I don't use the method of heuristics to solve problems. However, as I stated before, I don't follow a set schedule to accomplish my tasks, which eliminates algorithms. I know that everyone uses both at some point in their lives, for one reason or another, but for accomplishing everyday tasks, neither concept applies to me. There are some people who must live by a strict schedule, and there are those who simply try to find the easiest method to solve the problem, and don't care about the results. I don't think it's healthy to live one way or the other, but in the middle. I think that by using both methods to solve problems, people will be able to use reason more efficiently and comprehend situations more clearly.
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when learning about Algorithms and Heuristics i also became very fascinated. i was particularly interested in finding out that the idea of people taking short cuts to solving problems or taking the long way to solve the same problems had its own specific grouping. like the average person, i subconsciously used both Algorithms and Heuristics, and now realizing what i have done all my life, was very interesting
ReplyDeleteAfter discussing Algorithms and Heuristics in class, I too thought about which methods I used to make my everyday decisions. It became evident to me that I use algorithms. I am one to view every thing in a finite sequence of steps rather than come to a solution as fast as possible. Heuristics are useful when someone is put on the spot and has to make a choice effectively and quickly but they are not the most helpful because success is not garunteed.
ReplyDeleteLife is created by a healthy balance between opposing factors. Therefore, in problem solving, a mixture of algorithms and heuristics are often the most useful approach to individuals. I know that I cannot say that I have never used one or the other, but I use both on a day to day basis. However, I do tend to use heuristics more often than algorithms for time management purposes.
ReplyDeleteAfter learning about algorithms and heuristics, i realize that i use many in my day to day life. I like living by a rather strict schedule in my day to day life, i have to make my bed every morning and i have to get up at a certain time before class. i have discovered that i like using algorithms rather than heuristics in my life because i like to take my time with most problems so they are solved correctly
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