Final answer:
The process of working backwards is a type of mental heuristic, serving as a cognitive shortcut that facilitates problem-solving starting with the end goal in mind.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of working backwards is best considered a type of mental heuristic. A heuristic is a general problem-solving strategy that serves as a mental shortcut to simplify the cognitive load of making decisions or solving problems. It is different from an algorithm, which is a step-by-step procedure that guarantees the correct answer but can be more time-consuming. Rather than guaranteeing correctness, a heuristic allows for a more rapid conclusion that is 'good enough' in many situations. Working backwards is a known heuristic where you start with the desired outcome and work in reverse to determine the necessary steps to reach that outcome, as illustrated by planning the departure for a wedding by considering the desired arrival time and working backwards to pinpoint the starting time.