... thinking may seem rational, but isn't, for a number of reasons. There are too many variables to calculate. Often, also, we are provided with information which is not complete. A rational decision needs symmetric information in order to be truly rational, by analysing all inputs, and as a result possible outcomes. This is where humans begin to use heuristics as a method of making the decision. These heuristics are often the cause of irrational behaviour, however, as they do not always help us make the right decision. There are three heuristic that should be mentioned. Representativeness heuristics are those based on general past experiences. Essentially these heuristics are based on stereo types. For example, if someone were to tell you that their mother was a nurse, then you would conjure up images of nurses from your past experiences. You would then compare and contrast these images and form an opinion ...

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