Final answer:
The term for rules of thumb derived from experiences that are used for making decisions and problem-solving is heuristics, which simplify and expedite the decision-making process.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rules of thumb that are derived from experiences and used in decision-making and problem-solving because they usually work are known as heuristics. These mental shortcuts are employed to simplify and expedite the decision-making process, often by reducing complex problems to simpler, more manageable terms. Heuristics are not infallible but they are a commonly used strategy to make reasonably good decisions efficiently, particularly when faced with complex choices or when time is limited.
Heuristics are commonly used in various situations, one instance being in voting decisions where a voter may choose a candidate based on a simple factor like political party affiliation rather than an in-depth analysis of each candidate's policies. This use of a heuristic simplifies the decision-making process but might not always lead to the most informed choice.