Final answer:
Heuristics are not inherently systematic decision errors but mental shortcuts used for problem-solving. They are beneficial for quick decisions but can sometimes result in cognitive biases, leading to less than optimal decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
The notion that heuristics are purely systematic decision errors is false. Heuristics are mental shortcuts that facilitate quicker decision-making, often when faced with complex problems. They are a general problem-solving framework and differ from algorithms, which are precise, step-by-step procedures that guarantee an accurate answer. Heuristics, such as the availability heuristic or anchoring bias, offer time-saving solutions but can sometimes lead to cognitive biases, which are less than optimal or incorrect judgements arising from these mental shortcuts.
Using heuristics helps the brain conserve effort and can be quite effective for everyday decisions, like choosing a meal or picking a political candidate by party affiliation. However, it is important to recognize that while they can be very efficient, they are not foolproof and can lead to decision-making errors if the heuristic is not appropriate for the situation.