HELP...careless mistakes

[RayMiller]

Please help...I need some major advice. First the games section always appears like a breeze to me. In a since that there is no game that I've come to that I haven't been able to complete. Also when testing I feel like the game section is a place of rest when compared to the LR and RC. However, I consistently accidently misread the rules, or misread the questions when testing. I consistently complete three games, but find myself making careless errors. All of which after I'm done testing I almost instantly know what I've done wrong.

I have the Game Bible and W/B, Game Type Training I and the flashcards. When I'm testing I immediately look for Games that have more questions, tackle that one first, then complete two more. Here is what I do when tackling each game:

• Read the complete stimulus
  Read the Rules
  Diagram Rules
  Make Inferences
  Creating templates/possible solutions (if warranted)
  Attack questions (diagramming by each)

My Problems:

• Careless mistakes: misread rule (ex. "F some time after J", but when I read it I read "F some time before J")
  May mistakenly read a question

Sometimes I notice my mistake after a game, but if it's a mistake with a rule, I'll notice it mid-game and have to re-diagram and redo questions that apply. Does decreasing chances of error come with time, or is there something I can actively do stop making these errors? (i.e. verify rules after diagram, read each questions twice before diagramming--but I'm afraid of losing valuable time). I'm really discouraged and need advice. Please help me. Prepping for Oct exam.

[WestDakota]

Hi Ray,

I would recommend that you add one additional step in your routine: between "diagram rules" and " make inferences" add in the step "Double Check".

In fulfilling this step, go back and make sure you wrote all the variables down first. (If there are supposed to be seven, did you write down all seven letters? If the letters were RSTUWXY, did you remember to leave out the V?) Then go through each rule, one by one, rereading it and making sure your diagram replicates the original rule. When there is a sequencing rule such as "F is at some time before D," when you see the word "before", say to yourself "before, meaning 'to the left of'", so that when you check your diagram, you're checking left vs. right placement of the variables. "After" should be read as "after, meaning 'to the right of'". After you verify each rule, put a check mark next to it, and proceed that way through the list of rules. That way, you can make sure you didn't skip over a rule entirely (which can happen when you have two consecutive rules that both start with the exact same phrase; you only read the first few words, think you just read that rule, and go on to the next one without realizing that it really was a different rule you just skipped entirely).

This double-checking step takes time, yes, but it shouldn't take more than about 30 seconds, and given your past history, it seems like it's 30 seconds well spent if it means you won't have to unlearn mistakenly diagrammed rules mid-game under time pressure.

[RayMiller]

Thanks. I'll try and it and let you know how it goes.

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Ray,

Let's take this in two parts. First, the general outline that you are following is solid. And the fact that you feel comfortable with games is a major positive since it reveals that you don't have any hangups or mental blocks as far as the section. So, all that is the good news, and I don't see any general issues there.

Second, and I think this is good news too, if you look closely at the "problems" list, there's nothing there that's external--it is all internal, and focused on the idea of "carelessness." This is good news because it's not the difficulty of the games getting you, or an inability to make inferences or juggle the variables. Instead, you are simply missing some of the details as you read. As WestDakota noted, you need to add a step into your routine to double-check, mainly because you aren't apparently doing that now and it is clearly costing you, by your own admission. I would add a layer to that advice, and that is that you have to demand of yourself that you be more rigorous. I approach your issue almost like a drill sergeant would (not my normal role, I guarantee!): when the sum of your problems comes down to carelessness, then you have to step up to the plate and lock down the issue, no excuses. To help that process, check off each rule as you complete it and then when you double-check it. When you get to questions, underline the key words (Must, Cannot, Except, etc) until you are no longer making these mistakes. It will take a bit of time, but better to spend that time than to miss a whole rule or question due to misreading.

Good luck!

[RayMiller]

Thank you Dave! I don't know how I missed your response. After WestDakota's reply I started rechecking, and adding the crossing out and underlining keywords in the rules/questions so to read the advice you've posted makes me so RELIEVED!!!

And so far so good--it's working. After working some games in one of the training types, I completed an exam earlier this week and I almost completed all four of the games, with improved accuracy! And last night I started the full-length virtual course thanks to great advice from Nikki. The instructors, Shane and Jennifer, facilitated a great first class and I'm looking forward to the remaining sessions and working to boost my score beyond my expectations.

Again thank you.