> Thanks to those who responded to my query about guessing on the
> GRE-General. In particular, Beth Bennett (privately) and Marc
> Turner (on-list) helped straighten me out.
>
> The point is that the GRE-General is taken on a computer, unlike
> the test in my day, before computers were invented (heck, it was
> before _pencils_ were invented, and we had to scratch our choices
> on clay tablets). With the computer, you're not allowed to skip a
> question. This means that you have no choice about guessing: you
> _have_ to guess when you don't know. The sole exception seems to
> be at the end of the test, when you're running out of time.
>
> Here's what the GRE people say about that:
>
> "If you are running out of time at the end of a section, make
> every effort to complete the test. Data indicate that most
> candidates get higher scores if they finish the test. In fact,
> based on analyses of test takers, a majority of test takers will
> score higher if they finish the test than if they do not attempt
> to answer all of the questions. There is a chance that guessing
> at the end of the test can seriously lower your score. The best
> strategy is to pace yourself so that you have time to consider
> each test question, so you don't have to guess. Guessing at the
> end of the test can seriously lower your score."
>
> This is somewhat less than clear, but what I think they are
> saying is that if you're running out of time, random responding
> will not be helpful. It's better to make at least a minimal
> attempt to find some basis for your choice, even if this means
> that you don't complete the test.
>
> This differs from the advice for the paper-and-pencil Psychology
> Subject test, where Kalat & Matlin (ref in previous post) say
> that, statistically, guessing won't hurt and if you can eliminate
> one or more alternatives, may help.
>
> -Stephen
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Stephen Black, Ph.D. tel: (819) 822-9600 ext 2470
> Department of Psychology fax: (819) 822-9661
> Bishop's University e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Lennoxville, QC
> J1M 1Z7
> Canada Department web page at http://www.ubishops.ca/ccc/div/soc/psy
> Check out TIPS listserv for teachers of psychology at:
> http://www.frostburg.edu/dept/psyc/southerly/tips/
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am trying to make sense out of this post.One will score higher if one completes the
test. Sounds like
common sense to me. Now let me see: if I am taking part in the 100 yards event in the
summer olympics
in Australia and decided to quit at the 50 yard mark, will I have a higher score
record
wise?
Michael Sylvester,Ph.D
Daytona Beach,Florida
"if two people always agree,one of them is
unnecessary"
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