An timed exam has predictable methods for targeting a 40-60% error rate:
1. Potential subjects too broad to fully study.
2. Problem has an uncommon reference.
3. Misleading anchoring.
4. Confusing or complex wording.
5. Irregular problem difficulty (easy...or missing the trick?).
6. Shortcut required or problem too long.
7. False answer match
8. Unexpected numerical precision.
9. Inexact correct answer.
Most of these are self-explanatory, but #3 is a bit cryptic. "Anchoring" is a cognitive bias toward a particular solution path (the incorrect one) resulting in mentally excluding all others (including the right one) and so freezing up.
Regarding #1 and #2 it's very easy to waste time on a problem you don't really understand rather than cutting one's losses and spending the extra time checking problems one does know how to do. Ironically, limiting the open-book option with the single allowed reference on the CBT will help avoid this problem.
David, I am consistently getting about half/just a bit over the problems correct when I take practice tests. When I go back to re-work them, I find that about 7-8 of them (on a 40 question test), i have the numbers and formulas right, but I just didn't give the right variable the answer wanted, or messed up a calculation, or sometimes even over calculated, and did more than what the question was asking. What are your tips for this? With those ones that I'm doing that on, I am getting about 75% of the questions right. I just need those little tiny mistakes to go away!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain and know exactly what you are talking about. It's why many people know how to do the problems, think they pass, yet fail.
DeleteMy solution: check each 5 problem set without fail no matter how easy each seems AFTER I have completed all of them. Since it's 30 minutes for 5 problems that enough time to "reset" my mind and read the problem "fresh" again. I also stopped every hour and closed my eyes and breathed slowly 30-60 sec.
I believe many people pass this exam that probably shouldn't merely with good test-taking skills, and many people who know how to do problems make silly mistakes, misread the problem, or aren't paranoid enough because it seems too easy. The only cure is to check, recheck, recheck. But this means you will be short of time and will leave some behind. So be it I say.
The other problem many have is panic attacks and the feeling of failure because they are lost on too many. Like the former, this problem is solved through discipline: 5 problems each 30 min means 16 "mini" tests that leave one refreshed each 30 min. This is why I made so many practice problems, so one can not only learn to do the problems but practice how to test.
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteIs there a primer on where to start on this website? I'm just starting to look into studying for the PE but I'm a little overwhelmed with all the material. Also, I noticed that you have a Petroleum Engineering Guidebook that has been updated for 2018. Will you be updating it before the 2019 exam or should I just go ahead and purchase it now?
Thanks!
It's up to you. Because the exam is changing this year and a single SPE text is going to be allowed and that will be out in April. When I see it I'll let you know.
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