Should You Change Answers on Multiple-Choice Exams? - College Info Geek

TL;DR

Changing your test answers is recommended, as studies show that most answer changes are from wrong to right, leading to better scores and grades.

Transcript

• Let's get right to it. So you're taking a test, you're looking at a question you've already written an answer for and you're not quite sure about that answer. Should you change that answer? Conventional wisdom says no, but I'm going to spoil it right up front for you. Yes, in most cases you should change your answers. Many, many studies ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💱 Changing test answers is often the better choice, as most answer changes are from wrong to right, leading to improved scores and grades.
• 😨 The power of first impressions and the fear of regret contribute to the tendency of sticking with original answers on tests.
• 💋 Memory bias causes students to overestimate wrong-to-right answer changes, reinforcing their inclination to stick with initial answers.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do most students stick with their initial test answers?

Most students stick with their initial test answers due to the power of first impressions and the fear of regret. First impressions are powerful, and our brains tend to make snap decisions. Additionally, people tend to regret mistakes that come about through action rather than inaction.

Q: What is the memory bias discussed in the content?

The memory bias described in the content is the tendency for students to overestimate the number of times they have changed answers from right to wrong and underestimate the opposite. This bias leads people to continue sticking with their original answers, even when presented with evidence that changing them is more beneficial.

Q: Is changing your answer always the right choice?

While changing your answer on a test does not guarantee being right, statistically, most of the time, it leads to a better outcome. It is recommended to change your answer if you feel justified in doing so, but also consider your cognitive biases that may resist the change.

Q: Why do people tend to fear regret from action rather than inaction?

People fear regret from action because they would prefer something to go wrong due to not doing something rather than because of their own actions. This fear causes a memory bias, leading individuals to stick with their original answers, even when changing them is likely to yield better results.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Many studies have found that students who change their test answers tend to score better and get better grades.

• Conventional wisdom advising test takers to stick with their first answer goes against the documented fact that answer changes are usually from wrong to right.

• Two underlying causes for sticking with original answers on tests are the power of first impressions and the fear of regret.