A Well-Rounded Education Trivia Quiz

Answer: "Robinson Crusoe" - Robert Louis Stevenson

"Robinson Crusoe" is a novel by Daniel Defoe published in 1719. It is sometimes credited as being "the first English novel," though some scholars argue for earlier contenders. The book is a fictional autobiography of the title character, who ends up a castaway on a remote island for twenty-eight years and must survive the threats of nature, mutineers, and cannibals before at long last being rescued. Daniel Defoe is also known for such works as "Moll Flanders," "A Journal of the Plague Year," and "Colonel Jack."

Answer: Paul Krugman

Paul Krugman is typically considered to be a Keynesian economist. John Maynard Keynes developed economic theories in the 1930s in an attempt to grapple with the Great Depression. He argued that increased government spending and lower taxes would stimulate demand and pull the economy out of the depression.

In contrast, the Austrian school of economics suggests that government interference is not so beneficial for the economy. Carl Menger was the founder of the Austrian school of economics, and he developed the marginal theory of utility. Ludwig von Mises influenced the libertarian movement that would develop in the United States in the mid-20th century and published "Human Action." Friedrich Hayek carried out pioneering work in the theory of money and economic fluctuations, for which he shared the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Answer: Gregor Mendel

Gregor Mendel is considered to be the founder of the modern science of genetics. He established rules of hereditary through his experiments with pea plants.

Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist, is known for his theory of relativity, and Niels Bohr is known for his contributions to quantum theory and our understanding of atomic structure. Richard Feynman is known for known for his theory of quantum electrodynamics, among other things.

Answer: A 30-year fixed mortgage at 4% interest

A $100,000, 30-year fixed mortgage at 4% interest would cost the most, at a total of $171,870 over the life of the mortgage. While 4.5% is the highest interest rate among the choices, the shorter term results in a cost savings. A $100,000, 15-year fixed mortgage at 4.5% interest would cost a total of only $137,699 over the life of the mortgage.

However, there may be other reasons for preferring the 30-year mortgage, such as lower monthly payments ($477 a month vs. $765 a month), which might leave you with the ability to avoid financing higher-cost debts, which could save you money in the long-run.

Answer: Charles Lee - Spanish American War

Charles Lee served as a general during the American War of Independence. He died in 1782, long before the Spanish American War in 1898.

Andrew Jackson's success at the Battles of Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans set him up for a political career, and he was eventually elected as the 7th President of the United States.

Robert E. Lee commanded the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. Nathanael Greene was a major general of the Continental Army during the American Revolution who served under George Washington in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and was known as a great strategist.

Answer: The perimeter of a triangle = base x height

Pi is a mathematical constant approximately equal to 3.14159265359. A radius is a straight line from the center of a circle to the circumference of that circle. The diameter is two times the radius, so the formula for the perimeter of a circle could be written both ways shown in the answer choices.

To calculate the perimeter of a triangle, however, one needs to add all three sides: a + b + c.

Answer: Ivan Pavlov - theory of the unconscious mind

Ivan Pavlov was best known for his discovery of classical conditioning through a study involving dogs, in which he discovered that dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell. It is Freud who is better known for his focus on the unconscious mind. Freud's theory of personality development maintained that personality is formed through conflicts among the id, ego, and superego.

The unconscious mind is a reservoir of urges, memories and thoughts beyond our conscious awareness.

Answer: freedom from unreasonable search or seizures

It is the fourth amendment that prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. The fourth amendment also establishes requirements for issuing warrants. In additions to the freedoms listed in the answer choices, the first amendment also prevents Congress from passing laws that prohibit the free exercise of religion and ensures the right to peaceably assemble.

Answer: Bahá'u'lláh - Sikhism

Bahá'u'lláh was the founder of the Bahá'í religion. Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of Sikhism in the 15th century. The religious practices were then later formalized by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the 17th century.

Answer: Paul Simon

This quote comes from Paul Simon's song "Kodachrome":

"When I think back
On all the crap I learned in high school
It's a wonder
I can think at all
And though my lack of education
Hasn't hurt me none
I can read the writing on the wall."

Roger Waters of Pink Floyd didn't have anything more complimentary to say about schooling in "Another Brick in the Wall Part 2":

"We don't need no education
We don't need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone."