Technical question for the internet savvy

[bonniejeanne]

My son recently joined the Crania Mania site. This is a site for students ages 13-18 to test their knowledge on certain subjects. Each game consists of 10 questions, and your score depends on the percentage you get correct and how fast you answer them. There is one score in the Algebra section of 100% in 5.84 seconds. Now I believe this is absolutely impossible to read the question and answer it in half a second. The time starts counting down as soon as the question appears. It gives you 4 multiple choice answers. As soon as you answer the question, time stops until you hit the next question button. Right now, my son is in 5th place with 100%, and 65.49 seconds. The closest to first place finished with 23.92. That score I can believe, but that score of 5.84 I don't believe. Is there some sort of program out there that makes it possible to cheat at this game? I would like to understand how this person is doing this. Nobody can possible be that fast!

[twonky]

I would assume they knew the answers before they started the test.

Maybe they took the test once under one name and then signed up with their real information and took it again.

Just a guess. I haven't been to the site yet, but I'll go check it out now.

[bonniejeanne]

I don't believe that even if you know the answers that you can answer all 10 in 5.84 seconds. The questions are not always the same, and if they do give you one that you've had before, the answers are not always in the same order.

[smhop1]

I just went there and boy, are you right! 10 questions in five seconds would be very hard. I would have to guess they knew the answers and had very fast web access.

I wouldnd't worry about it

Good luck to your son!
M

[Edited by smhop1 on 03-21-2001 at 04:59 PM]

[bonniejeanne]

It says in the faqs that internet connection speed and computer speed have no effect on the score. It says, "We calculate time starting from the point the question is fully loaded and presented on your screen to the time you click on the answer. Your computer may take longer to refresh and show you whether you answered correctly or not, but this does not affect your speed score."