Using Your Intuition Trivia Quiz

Answer: Grasping knowledge with thoughtful reasoning

Intuition, as a science, is entirely nebulous. The remarkable experiences of physicians and nurses, who often made decisions based on intuition rather than reason, sparked an early interest in research. However, the study of intuition has been difficult to conduct due to its insufficiency in yielding measurable data. Regardless, professionals in many fields, from health care experts to police officers, have shared numerous anecdotes of just "knowing" how to handle a situation--without any logical explanation.

This knowledge came from within. Various researchers have debated over what 'intuition' encompasses. Most agree that intuition is the ability to know something instantly and completely. Intuitive decisions often spring full-formed, with little reasoning or supplemental information. (King, "Intuition", Journal of Advanced Nursing, 1997).

Answer: Innate recognition of the truth

In "Meno", Plato expounds upon the belief that while the human body is transient, the human soul is immortal. Thus, the human soul has existed for centuries, and has been born "again and again". It is a person's very soul, then, that provides them with a dormant knowledge unrelated to any experience or factual reasoning. Plato believed that intuitive comprehension was the highest-order of knowledge, since it could not be seen, touched, taught, or even imagined.(Day, "Plato's 'Meno' in Focus", 1994)

Answer: Because it is not based on rationality or empiricism

The study of intuition has garnered little action due to its very contradiction of traditional scientific study: it is not rational and it does not yield empirical data. The results of studies on intuition are not quantitative, and the researcher cannot see, hear, smell, touch, or taste the findings.

However, intuitive knowledge is slowly coming out of the dark, as more psychologists and scientists are proclaiming that intuition does exist, whether from the immortal soul (as Plato suggested), the effects of evolution, or some other unknown factor. Scientists acknowledge that its study may have to be conducted outside of the realm of traditional science. (Goldberg, "The Intuitive Edge", 1983)

Answer: Name recognition

According to researchers Goldstein and Gigerenzer, name recognition plays a part in intuitive decision-making. To illustrate: when people are asked to make decisions between two or more choices, none of which they have knowledge, they are likely to choose the one that produces recognition heuristic.

In this question, it is a fair probability that more people have heard of the Mississippi than the Chu, so more people will guess that the Mississippi is the longer. Without other information, their guesses would be based on name recognition. Researchers have found that such lucky guesses, more often than not, will be correct. (Gigerenzer, "Gut Feelings", 2007)

Answer: A person becomes conscious of the physical signs

When physical reactions occur in a person's body, he or she is typically conscious of the fact. It is unusual to be unaware of a headache or bodily shaking. On the other hand, many people ignore the physical signs or underplay their significance. Some people intuitively respond to the body's warning signs, such as when they illogically take a different route to work due to a strange, underlying feeling. Others disregard the warning signs, and move headlong into what may or may not be a disastrous situation. (Vaughan, "Awakening Intuition", 1979)

Answer: Emotional

Emotionally intuitive signs involve sentiments that cannot be rationalized, but which trigger feelings as potent as those created by tangible evidence. (There may or may not be a physiological element involved in this state - opinions differ - but it definitely created an emotional response.) For example, a new friend invites your child over for a play date.

The child's mother is nice and friendly. However, you cannot shake the feeling that you don't trust this woman, though you have no reason to feel this way. Regardless, you follow your sentiments and make an excuse for why the play date cannot occur. You have just followed an emotional level of intuition. (Mendoza, "The Hidden Power of Emotional Intuition", 2003)

Answer: False

There is no conclusive evidence that men and women do not experience the same level of intuitive responses. However, women are more likely to act upon emotional intuition, which may have more to do with socialization than with any innate tendency. Women, in general, may feel less pressure to provide the logic behind their choices, thus enabling them to more readily act upon their intuition. (Hall, "'Subordination' and Nonverbal Sensitivity", Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, Vol. 37, 1997).

Answer: Perfectly predict the future

When a person engages in purposeful and intuitive thinking, he or she is trying to think about what their "inner voice" is telling them. People who are finely attuned to their intuition are able to see harmony where chaos exists; to envision changes that may come about; and even to unearth a truth that was not obviously visible. Researchers do not, however, pretend that the use of intuitive faculties can perfectly predict the future. (Vaughan, "Awakening Intuition", 1979)

Answer: False

There is a wealth of information available for people who wish to improve their intuitive powers. Many of the common methods advocated are simple and time-honored: walking, prayer, yoga, and meditation. Meditation is at the heart of these exercises.

Many cultures, especially in the Eastern part of the world, have adopted meditation as a means to seek God, truth, and/or enlightenment. The concept has gained favor in the West in the past few decades, and continues to attract followers. (Kornfield, "A Path With Heart", 1993).

Answer: They are happier

Did your intuition work, or do you need to go meditate now? Yes, folks, it's true: people who rely on their gut feeling, their sixth sense, or their voice from within, generally seem to be happier and more well-rounded people. There is a sense of liberation in self-knowledge and self-awareness; realizing that you can make a choice without over-analyzing every piece of information. (Gigerenzer, "Gut Feelings", 2007)

Good luck in becoming acquainted with your intuitive self!