Self-study
I think I found a slight cheat code for those who fall for the "trap answers". I ran an algo on any question I found that has a "trap" answer (your typical question where you are jumping between two). I realize a tutor will come in and say "every wrong answer is a trap", BUT we all know... there is those evil questions that have the "You-miss-one-word-and-fall-for-it" answer that the question writer obviously put in there to fool you. I am talking about those questions.
Out of 100 of these questions, here at the results:
-The TRAP answer was located at B 60% of the time, A 20% of the time, and C 20% of the time (rounded)
-The Correct answer on the 100 questions with a trap was "D" 50% of the time and "E" 30% of the time (rounded)
This led me to believe that the question designers, who purposely put trap answers in, believe most people read A->E and will fall into the trap first, creating selection bias, before getting to the right answer.
To mitigate this, it logically, is better to read from E->A. You have the same skill test, but selection bias will reduce by reading over the CORRECT answer first (MOST times), then reading the trap answer AFTER.
If you find yourself falling for traps, obviously you have to study more. But in a time crunch, this method could save you.
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5 comments
Interesting data! I do worry though, that the LSAT writers are likely aware of any such patterns and have been changing the exams to prevent this kind of pattern recognition, which is why PT150s feel so different from PT100s. I think there is a valid strategy to reading from E to A, but I do caution against people relying on this method in a time crunch that could be better spent diagramming or rereading the stimulus. Perhaps this strategy will work for those 100 questions, but it's hard to say whether it will help on the day of teh real exam.
I also think that tutors who say that "every wrong answer is a trap" are most likely saying that traps are very subjective to each person's preconceived assumptions and reading habits. Sometimes I don't even pick the trap answer because I was able to recognize the trap in the answer choice, but not in another. Other times, I'll get a question correct and fail to see how the trap answer was even an attractive choice for people. But figuring out why certain traps attract certain people and why certain traps attract me is an essential part of studying and misreading a word or two is rarely the sole reason for an incorrect answer.
Interesting food for thought!
@haena im talking about the questions where 30-50% picked B and 30-50% picked D, where its obvious the question generator person laid a trap in B. Where its totally not subjective over a grand scheme. Almost always the trap comes before the answer A->E. Your timing and methodology stays the same reading E->A btw, its just helps prevent cognitive bias on a trap.
Have you tried this out on a drill? Do you see any improvements in your scores?
@dsawaqedy I second this. That data may be true but how does it apply on real PT training. Super interesting!
Very helpful- thanks!