Differently Thinking

Post Reply New Topic

For the most part, when we think about different thinking capabilities we think of speed of thought and perhaps knowledge. We think quantively. Who can think faster, who can recitge more data?

What about qualitive differences?

For instance: I read a book on intelligence in which a test was detailed. A room had hanging from the ceiling two ropes - positioned so the test subject could not reach both at once. The goal was to tie them together.

In the room were tools and tool boxes and power cords.

There were exactgly 3 methods possible to tie the 2 ropes together. All test subjects got at least one method. Two methods were found by the subjects. No subject did the 3rd method - until propmted.

As I read the description, my mind flashed to a solution. I got the 3rd way, the way that no subject got.

How about you?

1st one I can think of: Using the toolboxes as a sort of step, use the tools to cut or detach one of the ropes, then tie it to the other rope
#2: Use a powercord to tie the two together. The rules don't say you can't.
#3: Tie one rope to a tool box, and place it as close to the other rope as possible. The walk over to the third rope, grab it, bring it over to the box/rope combo, and then tie the two ropes together

Your first would be disallowed, but the power cord between them is wonderful!

Your 3rd is one of the typical answers.

Using the powercord is the first solution I came to also once I saw no evidence of ladders etc. I worked it out by sort of visualising the scene.

Is said subject alone?

presuming the toolboxes were well equipped why not take the Stanley knife and just cut one of the ropes down, nowhere does it say anything about keeping them intact... then you easily tie them together

The other thing to comes to mind, if they are hanging so that you cannot reach them at once, surely holding onto one and moving you would be able too, otherwise you can't tie them together anyway

didnt anyone watch Tarzan growing up....I love swinging on ropes,swing to rope two and grab it to tie to rope one.


Cut one rope an tie to other rope(as mentioned)


Tie tool box to rope one and begin it swinging in large arc,while holding on to rope two and standing inbetween the two ropes,catch the tool box and try not to bang your hand up catching it.Hold rope two in teeth while untieing tool box.This would definitely be the hardest but I think it would work.

Last edited by krex on 03 Apr 2007, 2:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

Well no link was provided so I'm not sure what this test is all about. But my solution is to open tool box find a knife then cut both ropes down. Then tie up the scientist conducting the test take their wallets , the tool box ,then get back to WP and order a pizza.

LOL.

Why waste time cutting the ropes? Use the knife to mug them - or a mallet, if there is one.

Also - if you get disqualified for cutting one rope from the ceiling... what if you use tools (such as a hammer and chisel) to remove a portition of ceiling and move it to a more convinient location?
This aside, the "tie them together with the cable" came to mind first.

since most rooms don't have proper ceilings anyway (that foamboard stuff) I would guess you should be able to jump on the roap and pull it off the ceiling.

It never occurred to me to cut down ropes. Good lateral thinking. I do not know if instructions would have outlawed that approach.

The two allowed and generally used methods involvex use of either a hard tool with long handle to reach out and grab; the use of a power cord to attach and drag ropes to location.

Krex got the 3rd way! Get one or both ropes swinging as pendulum, wait until it comes to you and grab it.

The most of you came up with solutions not of the first two types. I think that we do think qualitively differently.

I would take out my handy dandy swiss army knife, hand it to Machine, let him cut the ropes, help him tie up the scientist, steal the wallet and go for pizza. Sounds good to me.

Otherwise I would be swinging on one rope to get the other. I could also tie the electrical cord to one and and pull it over to the other then tie them together. I still like the idea of tying up the scientist.

None of the methods seem particularly efficient.

I think the problem with lateral thinking is you tend to have to break rules to do it. I'm constantly seeing ways around things in seminars and stuff, but to do them breaks the game/activity.
In the real world I think its even harder to use lateral thinking to effect as property rights or other things are likely to get in your way