95% get this wrong!
How many balls can you see in the picture?
We all love riddles and training our brains, and it’s a good choice. Are you ready to wake up and face this puzzle?
Here comes the challenge. It’s not proper math, but I remember our geometry teacher gave us a similar problem back in school. This may seem easy at first but you will quickly realize it is not as easy as it looks.
How many did you find? The answer will be below the next picture.
The answer is revealed below but don’t cheat by peeking!
A
B
C
There are a lot of balls
It is important to think a little outside the box to figure this one out.
The correct answer is 30 balls!
First, discern between visible balls, and balls making up that pile.
Visible: 16, that’s rather easy.
Full pile: we have a 4×4 bottom layer, then 3×3, 2×2, 1×1.
16 + 9 + 4 + 1 = 30 in my book.
Anyone disagrees?
Did you get the correct answer? Congratulations to you if that’s the case, you are sharp!
Quizzes are often associated with classrooms and game shows, but their benefits extend far beyond entertainment or academic assessment. They are powerful tools that can enhance brain function, improve memory, and promote lifelong learning. Recent research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience highlights the positive effects of quizzing on brain health and intellectual development.
One of the most significant benefits of quizzes is the testing effect. This phenomenon suggests that retrieving information from memory, as one does during a quiz, strengthens that memory more than simply re-studying the information. When individuals actively recall facts or concepts, neural connections associated with that knowledge become more robust. This improves long-term retention and makes it easier to retrieve the information in the future. In short, quizzing reinforces learning in a way that passive review does not.
Quizzes also encourage active learning. Unlike reading or listening, taking a quiz requires the learner to engage with the material, think critically, and apply knowledge. This active engagement helps the brain encode information more deeply. As a result, learners are more likely to understand and remember the content, rather than merely memorize it.
Additionally, quizzes enhance metacognition, or the awareness of one’s own knowledge and thought processes. When individuals take a quiz, they receive feedback—either immediately or afterward—that helps them evaluate what they know and what they still need to learn. This process fosters self-awareness and helps learners adjust their study strategies for more effective outcomes. Knowing which areas are weak or strong allows for targeted practice, which is crucial for skill development.
Regular quizzing can also improve attention and focus. When people expect to be tested, they are more likely to concentrate during the learning phase. This heightened attention boosts the quality of learning and helps prevent the common problem of mind-wandering. Over time, the habit of focusing in preparation for quizzes can lead to improved concentration in other areas of life as well.
Beyond the cognitive benefits, quizzes also provide emotional and motivational advantages. They offer a sense of achievement, especially when learners see progress over time. This can increase motivation, reduce anxiety around testing, and build confidence in one’s abilities. Quizzes with gamified elements, such as points or levels, can also make learning more enjoyable and engaging.
From a neurological perspective, the brain thrives on challenge and novelty—two key features of well-designed quizzes. They stimulate the brain’s reward system by offering immediate feedback and small successes, keeping the learner mentally engaged. Furthermore, regular mental challenges such as quizzes are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline as people age, suggesting they may even contribute to brain health over the long term.
In conclusion, quizzes are far more than academic exercises. They are dynamic cognitive tools that reinforce memory, encourage active engagement, sharpen focus, and promote self-awareness. Whether used in schools, professional training, or self-study, quizzes play a vital role in enhancing learning and maintaining a healthy, active brain.