- #1
motai
- 365
- 2
I've always wondered whether people are naturally faster than others when it comes to thinking. For instance, in the Planarity mental challenge thread, https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=82571, I was able to finish level 6 in 11 minutes, while my friend was able to finish the same level in 3:45 minutes. We both had not been previously exposed to this game until it came up on PF.
I have noticed similar occurances at math competitions where speed is greatly emphasized.
My friend also coincidentally happens to do very well on standardized tests, so I'm wondering whether there may be a connection between cognitive thought processes and the results of such exams. Or perhaps I'm extending the bridge a little too far and coming to ill-complete conclusions.
Are there, if any, advantages to being methodical in one's thinking? Or is such to be brandished as being "slow" and not desired in any form? I personally cannot see the need to rush every calculation to risking it being wrong in some fundamental way.
It might be desired in the fast paced world of business, but it may not be necessary for science and engineering. And I've heard reports on NPR recently that Los Alamos may become privatized, would this mean that scientists will have to work to extreme deadlines and rush their work for the sake of profit?
I have noticed similar occurances at math competitions where speed is greatly emphasized.
My friend also coincidentally happens to do very well on standardized tests, so I'm wondering whether there may be a connection between cognitive thought processes and the results of such exams. Or perhaps I'm extending the bridge a little too far and coming to ill-complete conclusions.
Are there, if any, advantages to being methodical in one's thinking? Or is such to be brandished as being "slow" and not desired in any form? I personally cannot see the need to rush every calculation to risking it being wrong in some fundamental way.
It might be desired in the fast paced world of business, but it may not be necessary for science and engineering. And I've heard reports on NPR recently that Los Alamos may become privatized, would this mean that scientists will have to work to extreme deadlines and rush their work for the sake of profit?