Don't Pick B - How I'd Answer Multiple Choice Questions

Physics Online

22 May 202307:06

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script offers a strategic approach to tackling multiple-choice questions, particularly for exams like A-level Physics. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the subject matter deeply rather than relying on guessing techniques. They suggest starting by writing down the relevant equations and eliminating incorrect options based on knowledge. The script also touches on time management during exams, recommending prioritizing longer answer questions over time-consuming multiple-choice ones. Additionally, the speaker dispels the myth of always guessing 'B', sharing data from a mini survey indicating that 'C' was the most frequently correct answer in the questions analyzed. The advice concludes with a reminder to use provided resources for revision, regardless of the exam board.

Takeaways

📚 Understand the Subject: The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good understanding of the subject matter as the foundation for answering multiple-choice questions correctly.
🔍 Don't Just Guess: Instead of randomly selecting an answer, especially 'B', the speaker suggests eliminating options that are definitively incorrect to improve the chances of guessing correctly.
📉 No Secret Techniques: The speaker clarifies that there are no special tricks to answering multiple-choice questions; it's about knowledge and understanding of the subject.
📝 Write Down Equations: Even in multiple-choice scenarios, it's beneficial to write down the relevant equations and show your working to ensure you arrive at the correct answer.
🕵️‍♂️ Eliminate Incorrect Options: The speaker advises to focus on eliminating options that are definitely wrong, which increases the probability of selecting the correct answer.
⏱ Time Management: The speaker mentions the importance of time management, suggesting that difficult multiple-choice questions should not consume too much time, especially when compared to long-answer questions.
🎯 Prioritize Questions: It's suggested to do the long-answer questions first and then return to the more complex multiple-choice questions if time is an issue.
📊 Survey of Answer Distribution: The speaker conducted a mini-survey showing that answers are not evenly distributed among the options, with 'C' being the most frequent correct answer in the sample.
📈 Improve by Revision: The speaker recommends revising the subject matter thoroughly as the best way to improve performance on multiple-choice questions.
🔗 Universal Content: Although the content discussed is specific to AQA, the speaker suggests that most of it will be useful for students from other exam boards as well.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script about multiple choice questions?
-The video script focuses on the approach to tackle multiple choice questions, especially in the context of exams like A-level physics, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the subject matter rather than relying on guessing.
Why does the speaker suggest not looking at the answers first when faced with a multiple choice question?
-The speaker suggests not looking at the answers first to avoid being swayed by the options before calculating or reasoning through the question. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the subject and ensures the correct answer is determined through logical steps.
What is the strategy the speaker recommends for dealing with multiple choice questions with many options?
-The speaker recommends eliminating options that are definitely incorrect rather than making a blind guess. This increases the likelihood of arriving at the correct answer and reduces the chances of guessing incorrectly.
What is the significance of understanding the subject matter when taking multiple choice questions?
-Understanding the subject matter is crucial because it allows students to eliminate incorrect options confidently and increases their chances of selecting the correct answer. It also helps in answering longer answer questions effectively.
Why is it important to manage time effectively when answering multiple choice questions during an exam?
-Effective time management ensures that students do not spend too much time on a single question, which could lead to insufficient time for other sections of the exam, particularly the longer written answers and explanations.
What does the speaker suggest doing with multiple choice questions that seem too complicated or time-consuming?
-The speaker suggests leaving the complicated questions for later, focusing on the ones that can be answered quickly, and returning to the difficult ones after completing the rest of the exam.
What is the speaker's view on the common belief that option B is often the correct answer in multiple choice questions?
-The speaker conducted a mini survey and found that while option B might be correct in some cases, the distribution of correct answers is relatively even across all options. Therefore, guessing option B without eliminating incorrect options first is not a reliable strategy.
How can students use the multiple choice questions and answers provided on the website mentioned in the script?
-Students can use the multiple choice questions and answers as a resource for revision, practicing their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to reason through questions without being influenced by the provided options.
What is the speaker's advice for students who are unsure about a multiple choice question?
-The speaker advises students to first eliminate the options they know are incorrect, which can significantly increase their chances of guessing the correct answer if they are unsure.
How does the speaker suggest students treat multiple choice questions during their exam preparation?
-The speaker suggests treating multiple choice questions like any other question, writing down equations and showing work, which helps in reinforcing the understanding of the subject and preparing for the exam.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Approach to Multiple Choice Questions in Exams

The speaker discusses an effective approach to tackling multiple-choice questions, particularly in physics and math exams. They emphasize the importance of understanding the subject matter deeply rather than relying on guessing. The speaker suggests not looking at the options first, but instead focusing on the question and applying the relevant equations and concepts to derive the answer. They share their experience of working through numerous questions and collaborating with a tutor to provide solutions on a website. The speaker also advises on time management during exams, recommending that difficult multiple-choice questions be attempted after the long-answer sections to avoid running out of time.

05:02

📊 Eliminating Incorrect Options in Multiple Choice Questions

In this paragraph, the speaker provides a strategy for improving the chances of correctly answering multiple-choice questions with many options. They suggest eliminating options that are definitively incorrect based on one's knowledge of the subject. The speaker uses an A-level physics example to illustrate this point, explaining how to identify and rule out options that are factually wrong, such as mismatched units or concepts that cannot be correct together. The speaker also mentions a personal survey they conducted on the distribution of correct answers among different options in multiple-choice questions, finding that option C was the most frequent correct answer in the questions they analyzed. They conclude by advising students to have a solid understanding of the subject and to treat multiple-choice questions like any other, using logic and knowledge to narrow down the options before guessing.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Multiple Choice Questions

Multiple choice questions are a type of assessment where respondents are given a question and several possible answers, from which they must select the correct one. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses strategies for tackling such questions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject matter rather than relying on guesswork. The script mentions working through numerous multiple choice questions, highlighting the prevalence of this question format in exams.

💡Physics and Maths Tutor

A physics and maths tutor refers to an individual who provides specialized instruction in the subjects of physics and mathematics. In the video, the speaker collaborates with a tutor to develop solutions for multiple choice questions, indicating the value of expert guidance in mastering these subjects. The tutor's involvement underscores the importance of structured learning and the application of knowledge to solve problems.

💡Energy Levels

Energy levels refer to the specific, quantized states of energy that an electron can occupy within an atom. In the script, the speaker uses the example of energy levels in a hydrogen atom to illustrate how to approach a multiple choice question. The concept is integral to understanding atomic transitions and is used to demonstrate the process of eliminating incorrect answer choices based on scientific principles.

💡Wavelength

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in the same phase. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses calculating the wavelength of light emitted during an electron transition in a hydrogen atom. This concept is central to the script's example question, which tests the viewer's ability to apply physical laws to deduce the correct answer from a multiple choice list.

💡Planck's Constant

Planck's constant is a fundamental physical constant that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. In the video script, the speaker mentions Planck's constant when explaining how to calculate the wavelength of light, using the formula E = hc/λ, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is wavelength. This illustrates the application of fundamental constants in physics to solve problems.

💡Time Management

Time management is the process of allocating time to specific activities to improve efficiency and productivity. The speaker in the video advises on time management strategies for exams, suggesting that difficult multiple choice questions should be attempted after longer answer questions to avoid spending too much time on them. This advice is crucial for optimizing exam performance and ensuring that all questions can be addressed within the allotted time.

💡Guessing Strategy

A guessing strategy refers to the approach one takes when faced with a question they do not know the answer to, often involving educated guesses based on the available options. The video discusses the common misconception that always choosing a particular letter, like 'B', might increase the chances of guessing correctly. The speaker counters this by advocating for a more informed approach, which involves eliminating obviously incorrect answers to improve the odds of guessing correctly.

💡SI Base Units

SI base units are the fundamental units of measurement in the International System of Units (SI), which include units for length, mass, time, electric current, thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity. In the script, the speaker uses the concept of SI base units to illustrate how one can eliminate incorrect answer choices by understanding the units in which physical quantities are measured.

💡Force and Stress

Force and stress are related but distinct physical quantities. Force is the interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object, while stress is the force applied per unit area. In the video, the speaker uses the concepts of force and stress to demonstrate how understanding the nature of physical quantities can help in eliminating incorrect multiple choice answers.

💡Strain

Strain is a dimensionless measure of deformation in a body, indicating the amount of change in shape or size relative to the original shape or size. In the script, the speaker mentions strain as an example of a dimensionless quantity, which cannot be confused with force or stress when answering multiple choice questions, thus helping to eliminate incorrect options.

💡Exam Techniques

Exam techniques refer to the strategies and methods used by students to perform well in exams. The video provides insights into effective exam techniques, such as understanding the subject matter deeply, writing down equations to show work, and eliminating incorrect answers to improve guessing odds. These techniques are essential for success in multiple choice sections of exams.

Highlights

Approach to multiple choice questions involves understanding the subject deeply rather than relying on guessing.

For physics and maths, solutions to multiple choice questions are available on a website in collaboration with a tutor.

When tackling multiple choice questions, start by understanding the question and writing down the appropriate equation.

Even in multiple choice questions, show your working out to ensure accuracy before checking against the provided options.

For questions with many options, eliminate the choices that are definitely incorrect to increase the probability of guessing correctly.

Understanding the subject matter is key to performing well on both long answer and multiple choice questions.

Time management is crucial; some multiple choice questions are quick to answer, while others may require more time.

Consider doing long answer questions first if multiple choice questions are taking too much time during practice.

A mini survey of multiple choice questions revealed no significant bias towards any particular answer choice.

Eliminating incorrect options can turn a 25% chance of guessing correctly into a 50% chance.

Students with a better understanding of the subject tend to perform better on multiple choice questions.

For A-Level physics students, the content provided is useful regardless of the exam board, such as OCR, Edexcel, or WJC.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of treating multiple choice questions like any other question, with proper working out.

The speaker conducted an analysis of 192 pages of multiple choice questions to understand the distribution of correct answers.

The speaker suggests a strategy of quickly going through multiple choice questions at the beginning of an exam to identify easy ones.

The speaker advises not to guess blindly but to eliminate wrong options first to improve the chances of guessing correctly.

The speaker's survey found that answer C was the most common correct answer in the analyzed questions, but this should not influence guessing strategy.

Transcripts

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Don't Pick B - How I'd Answer Multiple Choice Questions

Takeaways

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script about multiple choice questions?

Why does the speaker suggest not looking at the answers first when faced with a multiple choice question?

What is the strategy the speaker recommends for dealing with multiple choice questions with many options?

What is the significance of understanding the subject matter when taking multiple choice questions?

Why is it important to manage time effectively when answering multiple choice questions during an exam?

What does the speaker suggest doing with multiple choice questions that seem too complicated or time-consuming?

What is the speaker's view on the common belief that option B is often the correct answer in multiple choice questions?

How can students use the multiple choice questions and answers provided on the website mentioned in the script?

What is the speaker's advice for students who are unsure about a multiple choice question?

How does the speaker suggest students treat multiple choice questions during their exam preparation?