exam rules

[Carlos]

Why it is necessary to set an exam rule about clearing the memory of the calculator?

Why only bottled water is allowed into the examination room?

Why is there a rule prohibiting pipe smoking in facilities where smoking is allowed? (Who would have time to fix the pipe, re-light it all the time, and hold it while writing with the other hand?)

[Dr T Non-Fan]

Why aren't these obvious to you?

In the first two, apparently you are sinister enough to think of ways to cheat. You'll have to try harder.

In the last, you don't seem to be aware of others' existence.
Even at SOA meetings where smoking is allowed in the buildings, smoking is not allowed during the sessions. Seems the SOA and its members have done studies of smoking and morbidity and mortality.

[Actuary321]

On 2001-11-07 06:12, Carlos wrote:
Why it is necessary to set an exam rule about clearing the memory of the calculator?

Because.

Why only bottled water is allowed into the examination room?

Because.

Why is there a rule prohibiting pipe smoking in facilities where smoking is allowed? (Who would have time to fix the pipe, re-light it all the time, and hold it while writing with the other hand?)

Because someone who didn't really care about passing could distract others and prevent them from passing.

[Anonymous]

are the first two rules always enforced????

if so at your location, find a better location.

[Carlos]

On 2001-11-07 12:22, Dr T Non-Fan wrote:
Why aren't these obvious to you?

In the first two, apparently you are sinister enough to think of ways to cheat. You'll have to try harder.



I won't argue about no. 2, but clearing the memory was not a rule before, and now it is. Rules are generally enforced because there was evidence of a possibility of cheating. All I want to know (forgive my intelectual curiosity) is how could one cheat by not clearing the memory of a calculator. That does not necessarily imply that I'm looking for ways to breach any rules. So, no. 1 rule is not obvious to me (perhaps Dr T Non-Fan can illustrate me.)

As to the smoking issue is concerned, Dr T Non-Fan tries to give an argument by erroneously assuming that the more than 40 exam centers outside of the US, have adopted US's public smoking policies.

[Gandalf]

Carlos: "As to the smoking issue is concerned, Dr T Non-Fan tries to give an argument by erroneously assuming that the more than 40 exam centers outside of the US, have adopted US's public smoking policies."

No, DTNF correctly said that independent of any government rules and building management rules, the SOA does not permit smoking at any SOA sponsored activities.

Others taking the exam are likely to appreciate not being disturbed by the smoke.

[General Kenobi (ret.)]

One could theoretically record M/C answers in the calculator memory.

[Actuary321]

On 2001-11-08 09:04, Obi-Wan Kenobi wrote:
One could theoretically record M/C answers in the calculator memory.


I would agree with you, oh great one, except that they only require clearing of the memory of the TI-30x series calculator. And recording M/C answers to take out of the exam was explained in detail on a discussion board wrt the BA-35. If I can carry the answers OUT on the BA-35, I can carry them IN as well.

I think the reason that they make you clear it is because of the input line memory. You could for example, just prior to the exam, enter the formula for classical credibility into the calculator and then the formula for calculating a timeseries parameter, and then some other formuli which could then be retrieved by pressing the up arrow key and written down before you began the exam so you would have them if they were needed on the exam.

[Anonymous]

I would agree with you, oh great one, except that they only require clearing of the memory of the TI-30x series calculator. .


At my exam site, the proctor made us clear our BA-35s. (Along with the TIs.)

[Possum 2]

Was anyone's calculator checked by a proctor after the exam?

[Traci]

Mine was not

I expected to be asked to clear the memory after the exam - I had not thought of asking to clear it beforehand.

[Crystal Dragon.]

SOA probably figgered out how all them thar students was remembering their answers so good... CAN YOU quickly memorize a series of 40 (random) characters? The world would end if we actually figured out our own scores, or what the pass mark really is.