Speaking of Things Academic

First: can you take a study done by a guy named “Pierre Pica” (Well, okay, Cullen could.) from “Paris VIII University (…and WTF is that?)” seriously. Even if you could, it raises some nagging questions…

We’re hard-wired for geometry
Tests with Amazon villagers hint at innate geometrical sense
Even if you never learned the difference between a triangle, a rectangle and a trapezoid, and you never used a ruler, a compass or a map, you would still do well on some basic geometry tests, according to a new study.
Using a series of nonverbal tests, scientists claim to have uncovered core knowledge of geometry in villagers from a remote region of the Amazon who have little schooling or experience with maps and speak a language without the mathematical language of geometry.

…regarding their testing methodology.

During the test, each participant was shown 43 sets of six images — and asked to choose the one “weird” or “odd” image out of each set of six. A correct answer required the person to choose the image that did not follow the same basic aspect of geometry illustrated in the other five images.

Having closely studied the images…

Which one doesn’t belong?

Which is the “odd” image?

Which triangle is most unlike the others?

…I think the exercise results are irreparably skewed.

2 Responses to “Speaking of Things Academic”

1. Cullen says:

   January 20, 2006 at 1:15 pm

   Pierre Pica may very well become my mascot.

2. Mr. Bingley says:

   January 20, 2006 at 1:35 pm

   Those are some fine images.