Should you change your answers on test questions?
I’m going to spoil it right up front: In general, the answer is yes.
Research has been conducted multiple times over the course of the last seventy years on this problem, and the results are clear. Most answer changes are from wrong to right, which means that most people who do choose to change answers will actually improve their test scores.
This fact goes completely against what people think, though. Test-takers commonly get the advice to, “go with your gut.”
“Don’t change your answer – you’re probably just worriedly second-guessing yourself.”
Teachers, parents, – even SAT prep guides have given this advice out for years.
And the most interesting – and, kinda sad – part is that, even though I just told you this – even though I can and will point you to the actual research backing it up – and even if you believe me, you’re not likely to change your behavior.
In this video, I’ll explain why that is.
If you’re unable to see the video above, you can view it on YouTube.
Looking for More Study Tips?
If you found this video helpful, you’ll find even more tips for acing your exams in my free 100+ page book called 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less).
The book covers topics like:
- Defeating procrastination
- Getting more out of your classes
- Taking great notes
- Reading your textbooks more efficiently
…and several more. It also has a lot of recommendations for tools and other resources that can make your studying easier.
If you’d like a free copy of the book, let me know where I should send it:
I’ll also keep you updated about new posts and videos that come out on this blog (they’ll be just as good as this one or better) 🙂
Video Notes
- Why We Make Mistakes by Joseph T. Hallinan
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Kruger and Wirtz’s study that revealed the memory bias
- A 1972 study on answer-changing
What about you? Do you tend to change answers on your tests, or do you tend to stick with your first impression?
Also, just a reminder – I’ll be in Japan for the next three weeks! While there will be videos coming out, I won’t be as fast to respond on social channels or email during the trip.
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