Why is intelligence measured by regurgitation?

Question

Don't we claim to be advanced enough to find a better way?

Answer 1

Absolutely, amen to you! I work in a profession where academic excellence is highly regarded and I have met some really outstanding students along the way, top grades the works ...

Though when it comes to the practical side of things it's whole different ball game ... They don't have their exam paper to hide behind, it's the real deal and that's the biggest test, not the examinations ...

Answer 2

You have a point, depending on what you mean by measuring intelligence.
Many people equate intelligence with good grades, in which case regurgitation is, in fact, the main factor.
But a true IQ test does not rely on any previous knowledge. So if you go by IQ, it's a more fair assessment of intelligence.
The problem is, intelligence does not predict accomplishment.
And if that is the case, why is intelligence important at all?

Answer 3

I agree. Exams are becoming more and more a test of regurgitation rather than intelligence. I think the reason is so that the examiners can justify the marks they give from an objective viewpoint. We are all too concerned these days with being fair and being seen to be fair. In terms of examinations that has become more importance than recognising and rewarding true intelligence.

Answer 4

We used to have a better way. Universities, at one point, encouraged students to use critical thinking and imagination. Some universities, in Europe, still only test students with essay questions, once a semester, because they recognize that questions can often be interpreted in different ways, and more than one intelligent response is possible to most questions. They are more interested in seeing if a student appears to understand the subject matter than in seeing whether a student can memorize a correct response.

Why we've moved away from this in America is debatable, but one obvious reason is because we've developed an obsession for statistics. Multiple-choice questions with only one correct answer on the form make statistical analysis of test scores easy. After producing good test scores became the goal of education, teachers felt pressured into training students to memorize test responses, instead of discussing the subject matter with them.

Answer 5

because apparantly by regurgitatiing something we know it. Pff! Yes ok. I dont like exam system because everybody just learns to pass the exam rather than to know and better themselves. Exams dont REALLY test your understanding of things either, I think exams would be better (albiet less time efficient and more difficult for examiners) as an interview. Not only can an examiner then tell if you understand something, or are just blurtting out a pre learnt essay, but you get practice at interviews aswell.

Answer 6

I agree.

"An intelligence quotient or IQ is a number derived from a set of standardized tests. These tests measure a person's ability to conduct a number of tasks to which most people raised in that society will be exposed, and so measure a person's ability to absorb and repeat mechanical intellectual tasks. "

Answer 7

GOOD POINT! I agree with you that its stupid.

One thing to think about though: Because schools are in theory preparing you for a career, it IS a good thing to make sure the student is able to follow directions and do tasks in a particular way. If we don't, you might end up with many workers not being good enough at following directions.

Answer 8

what? I think you mean what we can memorize and spit back out at a standardized test. If you mean this, I think standardized tests and IQ tests are stupid. A test shouldnt measure your intelligence I know plenty of peopel that did very well on the tests but suck at life. Test dont measure intelligence, experience does.

Answer 9

I prefer to measure intelligence by the size of your head.

Answer 10

well, the ability to memorize and recall information is the most effective way to determine intelligence.

intelligence is by definition, the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations : REASON; also : the skilled use of reason (2) : the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests) b Christian Science : the basic eternal quality of divine Mind c : mental acuteness.

many of these things can not be tested as easily as simple memorization, and cognitive grouping.