# A simulation-heuristics dual-process model for intuitive physics

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.09546 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.09546/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 3 of its 44 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 13 Apr 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Rapid trial-and-error learning with simulation supports flexible tool use and physical reasoning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1907.09620/) (2019)
- [Modeling human intuitions about liquid flow with particle-based simulation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1809.01524/) (2018)
- [Physical problem solving: Joint planning with symbolic, geometric, and dynamic constraints](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1707.08212/) (2017)

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Overhang Tower: Resource-Rational Adaptation in Sequential Physical Planning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.09072/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The role of mental simulation in human physical reasoning is widely acknowledged, but whether it is employed across scenarios with varying simulation costs and where its boundary lies remains unclear. Using a pouring-marble task, our human study revealed two distinct error patterns when predicting pouring angles, differentiated by simulation time. While mental simulation accurately captured human judgments in simpler scenarios, a linear heuristic model better matched human predictions when simulation time exceeded a certain boundary. Motivated by these observations, we propose a dual-process framework, Simulation-Heuristics Model (SHM), where intuitive physics employs simulation for short-time simulation but switches to heuristics when simulation becomes costly. By integrating computational methods previously viewed as separate into a unified model, SHM quantitatively captures their switching mechanism. The SHM aligns more precisely with human behavior and demonstrates consistent predictive performance across diverse scenarios, advancing our understanding of the adaptive nature of intuitive physical reasoning.