Well, I jus’ read about how our brains are like, totally active when we’re daydreaming. So I guess I’m all solvin’ problems without knowin’ it… just not the one’s I’m s’posed to be thinkin’ bout. Here’s the link to read all ’bout it… Daydream Brainy-Science

So, here’s a practice question on that article… an’ don’t daydream till after you’re done answerin’ it!

Read this excerpt from the article:

The quantity and quality of brain activity [while daydreaming] suggests that people struggling to solve complicated problems might be better off switching to a simpler task and letting their mind wander.

“When you daydream, you may not be achieving your immediate goal – say reading a book or paying attention in class – but your mind may be taking that time to address more important questions in your life, such as advancing your career or personal relationships,” says Christoff.

Based on this passage, brain activity when you’re daydreaming:

1) is limited and slow but more focused on important activities.

2) is highly active but probably leads to no results.

3) is focused on simple, everyday tasks.

4) is high and centered on complex problem-solving.

5) is likely to make you pay better attention in class.

Dudes! Get the answer? Come on, if you can’t solve it, sit and daydream for a bit!!! It answer 4. See, the beginning of the quote says “quantity and quality” of brain activity. That means there’s a LOT of brain activity, plus it’s good quality for problem solving. That nixes answers 1 and 2, they’re no good. Answer 3’s no good, too, cuz what you AREN’T doin’ when daydreaming is focusing on boring, simple stuff like your classwork. And, same goes for answer 5. So, answer 4’s right… a “high” amount of brain activity (that means LOTS!), that helps you solve complicated problems. Never knew I was doin’ so much kewl stuff while daydreamin’.

Okay, dudes, totally get goin’ on your science GED. Let me know what’s stumpin’ you!!!

Here’s a link to the study: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7162692.stm

And here’s what I made my GED test question about:

Men were 22% more likely to succeed when they set goals for themselves, such as losing a pound a week rather than just saying they wanted to lose weight.

Telling others increased women’s chance of keeping resolutions by 10%.

They benefited from family and friends encouraging them to stick to their goals.

Professor Wiseman said it was possible to increase the likelihood you will keep your resolution.

“Deciding to revisit a past resolution sets you up for frustration and disappointment.

“Choose something new, or approach an old problem in a new way.

“Think through exactly what you will do, where you will do it, and at what time.”

He said those who made vague plans were more likely to fail – for example instead of planning to go running twice a week you should plan to go running at specific times every week.

Remember what I told you about “application” before? Like, on the GED, they want you to use information to solve a problem. That’s called “applying” the information. Hey, if you got to do it for the GED, then you gotta know it. So I gave you an application GED practice question:

Dwayne’s New Year’s resolution is to get his GED, but that was his resolution last year, too. According to the study, the best statement of Dwayne’s GED resolution is:

1) Dwayne should not make a statement of his resolution.

2) “My New Year’s resolution is to pass the GED test.”

3) “My New Year’s resolution is to approach the GED test in a new way.”

4) “My New Year’s resolution is to study 1 hour a day and learn one GED subject each month.”

5) “My New Year’s resolution is to tell everyone I will pass the GED this year.”

Did you choose a GED resolution for me? The trick is to figure out what the study really says. The question says I already tried to get my GED once (bummer!), and the study says: “Choose something new, or approach an old problem in a new way.” That might make #2 sound good. But what new way can I try to get my GED?!?

What other advice does this study give me? It says “Men were 22% more likely to succeed when they set goals for themselves, such as losing a pound a week rather than just saying they wanted to lose weight.” Plus, it says, “Think through exactly what you will do, where you will do it, and at what time.”

Since I’m a guy, maybe making some good goals, and being specific, will help get me my GED, huh? Can I APPLY the advice about losing weight to making a goal for my GED? (See, there, that’s the application stuff I’m talking about.)

#4 fits, don’t it? That’s the answer, Dudes! Study for the GED test 1 hour a day… and learn one new subject a month. Last year, I didn’t have much of a plan to pass my GED, so this is a new approach, like it says, and I’m tryin’ to have goals and be real specific. What do you think? Will it help me get my GED?

To find out more about the GED test and GED test preparation, visit The GED Academy at passGED.com.

Thing is, wasn’t the GED my resolution last year? Wait. Did I finish that? Uh…. maybe not… But, y’know, I’ve been in these kewl GED classes, right? And now I’m writing this GED blog… is there hope for me and my GED?

But guess what! There’s a GED science spin to this GED resolution thing. A scientist is making a study all about new years resolutions. He started in 2007 by getting a bunch of people to come to his webpage and tell about their resolutions, and then following up with them all year. How do you think they did? He’s supposed to announce the results on January 8. So, I’ll sure follow up about that cuz I want to know how to keep my resolution to get my GED.

So, this professor is called Prof. Richard Wiseman. Funny, huh? Like he’s a real wise man… ha, ha, ha… And he teaches at a big college in England called University of Hertfordshire. So, he’s trying to figure out what makes people stick to their resolutions, and I hope it works so I can know how to get my GED! You can actually be part of the science study by going to this web site: http://www.psy.herts.ac.uk/wiseman/resolutions/opening.html

So, do you think that signing up for this study, say, with getting the GED as your resolution, makes you more likely to get your GED? Does actually being in the study help you do your resolution? That’s what I wonder. Couldn’t hurt, though, huh?!?! Maybe we should all sign up.

Next time I’ll figure out some science GED practice question about this new year’s resolution study thing.

To find out more about the GED test and GED test preparation, visit The GED Academy at passGED.com.