Final answer:
Veronica's behavior exemplifies the use of the representativeness heuristic, a type of cognitive heuristic where decisions are made based on how typical or representative something is of a category, such as looking for yogurt in the dairy aisle of a grocery store.
Step-by-step explanation:
Veronica's decision to go directly to the dairy aisle when looking for yogurt is an example of a cognitive heuristic. Cognitive heuristics are mental shortcuts used to make decisions or solve problems quickly and with minimal effort. In this case, Veronica is utilizing the representativeness heuristic, where she focuses on how typical or representative a particular product is of a category—in this case, yogurt being representative of dairy products. She ignores other aisles because her prior experience and belief that dairy products are typically found in the dairy aisle guide her judgment, thus showcasing an efficient method of navigating a complex environment with many choices.
Major grocery stores in the United States typically organize products into categories like dairy, meats, produce, bread, and cereals, making it easier for consumers to find what they are looking for. This categorization reflects a common understanding that helps guide shopper behavior, confirming pre-existing beliefs about where certain items should be located.