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Humans Hard-wired for Geometry

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the pythagoras-notwithstanding dept.

hcg50a writes "An article on MSNBC reports that, according to a new study, even if you never learned the difference between a triangle, a rectangle and a trapezoid, and you never used a ruler, a compass or a map, you would still do well on some basic geometry tests, because we are hard-wired for geometry, rather than learning it from teachers or cultural influences."

2 of 235 comments (clear)

  1. Hmmm.. by TubeSteak · · Score: 0, Redundant

    So, I just read TFA and since they're trained professionals, I won't argue with their methodology.

    What I wonder about is their conclusion. Finding the 'odd' shape seems more like pattern recognition to me.

    Maybe the ability to recognize patterns also represents some basic concept of geometry, but then again, maybe it just means we're good at noticing differences/relationships.

    I guess by abstracting the excercise away from physical objects, they're able to draw these conclusions?

    --
    [Fuck Beta]
    o0t!
  2. geometry by drDugan · · Score: 0, Redundant

    duh -- we're hardwired for geometry because of problems like this:

    * misty haze rises - 300,000 years ago:

    ancient man talks to his son, points and grunts the following instructions:
    "go 300 yards over there, take a left and go 600 yards. thats where the women were. go get 'em boy..."