Final answer:
An algorithm, a step-by-step set of operations, guarantees a correct solution to a problem since it follows a specific set of instructions exactly. Heuristics, as mental shortcuts, do not assure a correct answer but are often used for their time-saving characteristics in the problem-solving process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options listed, an algorithm is the problem-solving strategy that is guaranteed to give a correct solution. An algorithm is a problem-solving strategy characterized by a specific set of instructions that must be followed exactly to produce the correct result. Since it is a step-by-step set of operations, it eliminates ambiguity in the problem-solving process and leads to a definite answer, assuming it is applied correctly.
In contrast to an algorithm, a heuristic is a general problem-solving framework and a mental shortcut. Heuristics allow for faster decision-making by simplifying complex problems, but they do not guarantee the correctness of a solution, as they sometimes rely on 'rule of thumb' approaches. Therefore, while heuristics can be practical and time-saving, they are not designed to be foolproof solutions in the way algorithms are.