I disagree that this is non-psychology related! In fact, I use this problem the first day of my intro classes. I tell them that they don't really understand how their own brains work, and that psychology is going to help them learn a little more about this part of their anatomy. The example I use is that most of them think that they can add a few numbers in their heads, but none of them think that they can do calculus in their heads. They (nearly) all agree with this. I then proceed to use (a variation) of the problem below to show them that they (at least sometimes) -can't- add numbers in their heads. I then hand a volunteer a balled-up piece of paper and have them throw it into a waste-can as I carry it quickly by in front of them (about 6-8 ft. away). Most everyone can do this on the first try. This is a calculus problem, of course (related rates), which we routinely do (I give other examples, like crossing the street, and I usually get a few laughs by pointing out the squirrels are NOT good at calculus). [see, it's -all- psychology!] bob k. ----------------------- ------------------------- Robert Keefer Associate Professor Psychology Department Office Phone: Mt. St. Mary's College (301) 447-5394, Ext. 4251 Emmitsburg, MD 21727 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Speaking for myself.] fax: 301-447-5021 ----------------------- ------------------------- > -----Original Message----- > From: Jim Guinee [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 4:17 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: non-psych related math problem > > > > > > > > > MATH RIDDLE --------- MUST BE DONE IN YOUR HEAD > > > > > > > >This riddle must be done IN YOUR HEAD and NOT > > > >using paper and a pen. > > > >Try it - it's weird > > > > > > > >Take 1000 and add 40 to it. Now add another 1000. > > > >Now add 30. Another 1000. Now add 20. Now add > > > >another 1000. Now add 10. What is the total? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >(Scroll down for the answer) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Did you get 5000? > > > > > > > > > > > >The correct answer is actually 4100. Don't believe it? > > > >Check with your calculator! The brain sure knows how to play > > > >little tricks on us, doesn't it? > > > > > > > > > > > >
