Heuristic vs algorithmic approaches

http://dangoldin.com/2014/02/15/heuristic-vs-algorithmic-approaches/

by dangoldin • 12 years ago

2 6 12 years ago

rk173• 12 years ago

Am I mistaken or does algorithmic in this case simply translate to actually formulating a model that accurately represents your problem? I agree that the heuristic approach might be quicker and is great for filling gaps in your formal models, but actually getting a good description of the problem does seem like the smart thing to do.

dangoldin3• 12 years ago

I guess I should have been clearer. I think having the right formulation of the problem helps both approaches. The algorithmic approach is one that tends to rely more on quantitative/statistical properties and less on a rule of thumb.

Thanks for the note - I'll update the post.

rk173• 12 years ago

Thanks for the feedback. I'm still a little confused, because in my understanding heuristics are also based on statistical properties; e.g. Is there a strong correlation between property x and y as measured by the amount of click-throughs for example.

Both approaches deal with quantitative properties. But one assumes that causes are too difficult to map out and will try to find the most useful correlations, the other will be frustrated by how hard it is to accurately model reality and will end up using heuristics to whatever degree necessary to patch up their incomplete model. I prefer the second, but I guess the author of the article is correct: Whatever works for you...

rk173• 12 years ago

Noob's mistake: I noticed you are the author of the article (#^-^#), I'll read it again after you've updated it.

Heuristic vs algorithmic approaches

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