Full Version: Common sense
I picked up this article this morning, and it made me smile.
About.com article
I particularly liked the summary statistics, such as
Which, in itself, tends to indicate that they don't know much about maths or statistics, if nothing about their common sense.
There's a link to the related quiz on the about.com site, but here's a direct one.
Take the Common Sense test
Edited to add - You need to have cookies enabled to access the test. It works fine with Netscape but I had problems when I tried with Microsoft IE
Questions for debate:
How did you do in the test? Was it a surprise (good or bad)?
What do you think "common sense" is?
The test is pretty good - it measures all the things I thought it should to be a useful common sense measure - though I did find it a little frustrating that they don't tell you at the end what "average" results might be.
Anyway, I got 35 (out of what?) on the self-knowledge score, 30 (out of what) on the others-knowledge score, and 35 (out of what???) on the action score. Apparently I am one of the 7% of people who have uncommonly high common sense. For all the good it does me.
Edited to add - It was kindly, and gently(thanks DaffyGirl
), pointed out to me that since the numbers add up to 100, the likelihood is that the scores measure the balance of the different types of "common sense" in one's personality. Which still prompts me to wonder how they can tell me I am in the top 7% of those taking the test - a straightforward personality split score doesn't tell me that. After all, it is possible to cut a pie into three more or less even slices whether the pie fits in the palm of your hand or covers a football field.
About.com article
I particularly liked the summary statistics, such as
QUOTE
- 74 percent of American adults say they have more common sense than most people.
There's a link to the related quiz on the about.com site, but here's a direct one.
Take the Common Sense test
Edited to add - You need to have cookies enabled to access the test. It works fine with Netscape but I had problems when I tried with Microsoft IE
Questions for debate:
How did you do in the test? Was it a surprise (good or bad)?
What do you think "common sense" is?
The test is pretty good - it measures all the things I thought it should to be a useful common sense measure - though I did find it a little frustrating that they don't tell you at the end what "average" results might be.
Anyway, I got 35 (out of what?) on the self-knowledge score, 30 (out of what) on the others-knowledge score, and 35 (out of what???) on the action score. Apparently I am one of the 7% of people who have uncommonly high common sense. For all the good it does me.
Edited to add - It was kindly, and gently(thanks DaffyGirl
), pointed out to me that since the numbers add up to 100, the likelihood is that the scores measure the balance of the different types of "common sense" in one's personality. Which still prompts me to wonder how they can tell me I am in the top 7% of those taking the test - a straightforward personality split score doesn't tell me that. After all, it is possible to cut a pie into three more or less even slices whether the pie fits in the palm of your hand or covers a football field.
Site is currently not available.
But there is evidence in great quantities that common sense (better described as good judgement) is not common, especially in the way some people I know handle their money on a day to day basis.
But there is evidence in great quantities that common sense (better described as good judgement) is not common, especially in the way some people I know handle their money on a day to day basis.
The common sense quiz actually measures how many times to try to access a non-existant site!! 
More than two clicks after you get the "404 Error" and you have no Common Sense. 
The stat about 74% judging themselves as having above average common sense has nothing to do with a lack of statistical knowledge. It has to do with viewing onesself in a favorable light. A lack of common sense is often viewed as worse than simply being stupid.
What do you think "common sense" is?
The ability to look at a situation and act appropriately. The ability to filter out a bunch of hypothetical theories and get the job done. The ability to avoid doing things which are downright stupid to even contemplate....
The list is endless.
More than two clicks after you get the "404 Error" and you have no Common Sense. The stat about 74% judging themselves as having above average common sense has nothing to do with a lack of statistical knowledge. It has to do with viewing onesself in a favorable light. A lack of common sense is often viewed as worse than simply being stupid.
What do you think "common sense" is?
The ability to look at a situation and act appropriately. The ability to filter out a bunch of hypothetical theories and get the job done. The ability to avoid doing things which are downright stupid to even contemplate....
The list is endless.
Hmmm. Allow me to admit that I'm skeptical about this test. (I got it to work, by the way.) It seems more to be asking "Do you agree with our opinions on human psychology?"
The main reason I am skeptical is that it says I did very well on all categories. I'm sorry, but I see no evidence that I have above average common sense when it comes to judging other people or taking appropriate actions. Maybe I have a fair amount of insight into myself, but this was my lowest score.
People use the word "common sense" in a lot of ways. Sometimes they use it to mean "practical knowledge" and I'll admit that I am low in that kind of common sense. (I destroyed the engine of my first car because I had no idea at all that I was supposed to get the oil changed now and then.) In day-to-day activities, I have a lot of ignorance.
On the other hand, "common sense" is sometimes used to mean the ability to figure things out from typical experiences. It's harder to pin this down, but here's one example. I once heard somebody in a coffee house ask "What is half a sandwich?" You and I might be able to make our knowledge of the words "half" and "sandwich" tell us that "half a sandwich" is 50% of a full sandwich, but this person could not. In this kind of common sense, I think I'm pretty decent.
Call the first kind "knowledge" and the second kind "ability to reason from knowledge."
The main reason I am skeptical is that it says I did very well on all categories. I'm sorry, but I see no evidence that I have above average common sense when it comes to judging other people or taking appropriate actions. Maybe I have a fair amount of insight into myself, but this was my lowest score.
People use the word "common sense" in a lot of ways. Sometimes they use it to mean "practical knowledge" and I'll admit that I am low in that kind of common sense. (I destroyed the engine of my first car because I had no idea at all that I was supposed to get the oil changed now and then.) In day-to-day activities, I have a lot of ignorance.
On the other hand, "common sense" is sometimes used to mean the ability to figure things out from typical experiences. It's harder to pin this down, but here's one example. I once heard somebody in a coffee house ask "What is half a sandwich?" You and I might be able to make our knowledge of the words "half" and "sandwich" tell us that "half a sandwich" is 50% of a full sandwich, but this person could not. In this kind of common sense, I think I'm pretty decent.
Call the first kind "knowledge" and the second kind "ability to reason from knowledge."
How did you do in the test? Was it a surprise (good or bad)?
I was surprised in that it says I “get” other people. I scored 32 on Self, 32 on Relationship and 36 on Action. I think I’m a pretty sensible person, but not nearly as good at reading people as this quiz seems to think.
Well, gee whiz, it's on a site that markets TOILET PAPER ("common sense on a roll")!!
What do you think "common sense" is?
I think it is not taking action without considering the consequences of that action. It’s not making the same mistakes over and over again without learning from them.
It’s more descriptive to show examples of those who DON’T have common sense. There have been a veritable plethora of examples in the news lately. Some of those include:
*People who ignore flashing, ringing, railroad crossings and attempt to drive across anyway.
*Numbskulls who drive around barriers straight into 8 feet of standing water.
*People who stand at the edge of rain-swollen creeks or “concrete rivers” and dabble in the water, only to be swept away.
*People who think it’d be cool to surf/raft/tube the LA River after a rainstorm.
*People who go out hiking alone with no water or appropriate clothing.
*Famous people who let their sex partners film them having sex and then act shocked when it is marketed to the public.
Others that come to mind:
*Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane (just kidding, DTOM!!!)
*Touching a frozen pole with your tongue
Conclusion: Things that don't make you say "DUH"!
I was surprised in that it says I “get” other people. I scored 32 on Self, 32 on Relationship and 36 on Action. I think I’m a pretty sensible person, but not nearly as good at reading people as this quiz seems to think.
QUOTE(Victoria Silverwolf)
Hmmm. Allow me to admit that I'm skeptical about this test. (I got it to work, by the way.) It seems more to be asking "Do you agree with our opinions on human psychology?"
Well, gee whiz, it's on a site that markets TOILET PAPER ("common sense on a roll")!!
What do you think "common sense" is?
I think it is not taking action without considering the consequences of that action. It’s not making the same mistakes over and over again without learning from them.
It’s more descriptive to show examples of those who DON’T have common sense. There have been a veritable plethora of examples in the news lately. Some of those include:
*People who ignore flashing, ringing, railroad crossings and attempt to drive across anyway.
*Numbskulls who drive around barriers straight into 8 feet of standing water.
*People who stand at the edge of rain-swollen creeks or “concrete rivers” and dabble in the water, only to be swept away.
*People who think it’d be cool to surf/raft/tube the LA River after a rainstorm.
*People who go out hiking alone with no water or appropriate clothing.
*Famous people who let their sex partners film them having sex and then act shocked when it is marketed to the public.
Others that come to mind:
*Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane (just kidding, DTOM!!!)
*Touching a frozen pole with your tongue
Conclusion: Things that don't make you say "DUH"!
QUOTE(DaffyGrl @ Jan 20 2005, 01:46 PM)
How did you do in the test? Was it a surprise (good or bad)?
I was surprised in that it says I “get” other people. I scored 32 on Self, 32 on Relationship and 36 on Action. I think I’m a pretty sensible person, but not nearly as good at reading people as this quiz seems to think.
I was surprised in that it says I “get” other people. I scored 32 on Self, 32 on Relationship and 36 on Action. I think I’m a pretty sensible person, but not nearly as good at reading people as this quiz seems to think.
I had similar scores, and a similar reaction. I will add that, from what I have observed in my life....it is often those who don't think they are in tune with themselves or others who are, and those who do think they have it all figured out that haven't got a clue. Maybe something to do with being aware enough of the complexities involved to realize they don't have all the answers?
What do you think "common sense" is?
QUOTE
I think it is not taking action without considering the consequences of that action. It’s not making the same mistakes over and over again without learning from them.
I like this definition, and would add that I think it also involves being able to make things simple, when they can be, but also recognizing complexity when you confront it, and not making things worse by oversimplifying (ambiguous, isn't it? maybe that's why common sense isn't always so common). I think there might also be an emotional component--when I think of those people I know who seem to have a lot of common sense, these are also people who do not overreact to situations. Or perhaps that's just me...?
QUOTE
How did you do in the test? Was it a surprise (good or bad)?
It was kind of a supprise that I have better sense when it comes to relationships (45) then I do when it comes to self realization (27). I would have thought it would have been the opposite but I am told that I lack common sense so how would I know.
QUOTE
What do you think "common sense" is?
Common sense is based on common experience and it would be impossible for someone to have the same 'sense' as you if they did not have the same experience. A friend of mine was complaining that his son did not have common sense even though he was reasonably intelligent in other respects. I asked him if his sons experiences were the same with regards to the work he did at his sons age. He said no, I said that he must have common sense because it is by definition 'common'. What he was experiencing was a difference in experience that made his son different but just as sensible. Puzzled by the exchange he changed the subject. I think I made my point.
I scored:
38 on Self Sense
24 on Relationship Sense
38 on Sense of Action
Has anyone received a poor score?
38 on Self Sense
24 on Relationship Sense
38 on Sense of Action
QUOTE
You excel at your “self sense." You’ve got exceptional common sense in understanding the topic you know best – you! You know yourself well enough that whatever you do, you usually do it well! Through this enhanced Self Sense, you determine in a flash what works or doesn’t and, if necessary, you change course to smooth the way. You lead with your best common-sense foot forward. And, when it’s up to you, you manage your home, your family and your work life better than most.
QUOTE
Some people just “get” other people. That’s you! You’re best at understanding what makes other people tick. This type of common sense is common for those who are successful in dealing with other people … from co-workers, to neighbors and, of course, your family! If a parent, you have an uncanny “sixth sense” about why your kids are behaving (or not behaving!). At work, you know ahead of time how your co-workers or boss will react to you. This kind of common sense allows you to get ahead and achieve your person-to-person goals. Interpersonal common sense comes naturally to you. And, this elevated Group Sense helps you form strong relationships with other people, making you their “go-to” person for insights on everyday challenges.
QUOTE
Some people just recognize how to get it done. That’s you! You set a goal and know how to get it done. No doubt about it, your greatest common-sense strength is Sense in Action. It means you’re stellar at determining the best way to make things happen and to simplify those everyday tasks. Tasks at home? You run a tight household. When at work? You lead the project and team to success. You use your task-management know-how to make things run smoothly and to make sure nothing gets left behind in the rush.
Has anyone received a poor score?
Self Sense: 30
Relationship Sense:30
Sense of Action: 40
Not bad for a senior in high school. Hopefully with time and experience the scores will go up.
Relationship Sense:30
Sense of Action: 40
Not bad for a senior in high school. Hopefully with time and experience the scores will go up.
32 Self Sense
32 Relationship Sense
36 Sense of Action
I guess I'm pretty balanced according to this test.
(They obviously left out all of the cooking/domestic questions.
)
32 Relationship Sense
36 Sense of Action
I guess I'm pretty balanced according to this test.
(They obviously left out all of the cooking/domestic questions.
)
I had similar scores to Amlord. I had to quit, because the doorbell rang, so I lost my scores. Apparently I'm in the top 7 percent of individuals taking the test. This doesn't surprise me. I have lots of sense. I know this because I was told so by a psychic, whom I visit regularly for relationship advice. She only charges 300 dollars an hour. Now, her opinion has been seconded by a quiz on the website of a toilet paper company. It must be true. 
Just kidding about all the above (not the scores, they were real...but my computer quit on me the doorbell didn't ring). I'm in a strange mood.
Common sense, to me, is just a way of viewing and doing things pragmatically. "If it isn't broken, don't fix it", ect. Maybe it's best described by what it isn't. Example, above. Lack of common sense is pretty apparent, when you see it.
Just kidding about all the above (not the scores, they were real...but my computer quit on me the doorbell didn't ring). I'm in a strange mood.
Common sense, to me, is just a way of viewing and doing things pragmatically. "If it isn't broken, don't fix it", ect. Maybe it's best described by what it isn't. Example, above. Lack of common sense is pretty apparent, when you see it.
QUOTE(Amlord @ Jan 20 2005, 04:00 PM)
Has anyone received a poor score?
There really isn't a "poor score". The quiz simply shows you where you excel at. The total will always be 100. As someone said it is simply the breakout of a pie chart.
I scored differently than I thought I would, is that a poor score? 41/18/41. Apparently I'm better at identifying myself and getting things done than "getting" other people. I always thought I could "read people". Maybe not...
Joe
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