For hundreds of years, rice farmers have been searching for a way to streamline the hiring process of new workers. This past week, grain scientists and behavioral biologists have put their heads together and come up with an elegant solution: The RIQ Test. The Rice Intelligence Quotient exam combines the challenge of an IQ test with the creative interpretation of a Rorschach Test to determine the suitability of an applicant for the rice farming profession.
"What we've created is an exam that quickly and accurately assesses a person's knowledge of rice," said head team member Sally Gunther. Using a series of photos of rice grains and paddy fields taken at various angles and magnifications, test takers are asked a simple question: "is that really RICE?" Interspersed throughout the images are dozens of "red herring" photos of other grains, including quinoa, spelt, and couscous. Participants are expected to score over 90% to be recommended for rice farming work. Gunther said she expects the RIQ Test to be used widely across the globe by 2014.
No comments:
Post a Comment