Final answer:
Andre is utilizing the working backwards heuristic by envisaging an alternative route to work due to his usual path being blocked. This problem-solving approach involves planning from the goal backwards to the present situation to determine necessary actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andre is using the working backwards heuristic when he imagines a different way to drive from his home to work due to a usual route being blocked. The working backwards heuristic involves starting with the end goal and figuring out the steps to get there, a method often used in situations requiring problem-solving when the most direct path is obstructed or unclear.
For example, planning to arrive at a destination at a certain time starts with the desired arrival time and then accounts for travel duration and possible delays, determining the departure time accordingly. This is a common everyday application of the heuristic that people apply, perhaps without conscious realization. It is distinct from the practice of subgoaling, where a larger task is broken down into smaller, more manageable steps.
It's worth noting that heuristics provide a general framework for problem-solving. They are mental shortcuts that help us make decisions and solve problems quickly. However, while they are often efficient, they can sometimes lead us astray from the most rational or optimal solution.