I have never like these tests, though, as tests of observations it is a better designed test than most. The reason is that tests which require meta-theoretical observations are better that tests that are simple calculations.
Here we see several A.I. mistakes on that basis. So I asked the A.I.:
How many mistakes can you spot?
Let’s spot some mistakes. Based on the image description and comments, here are some mistakes I’ve found:
1. Cyclist riding on the wrong side of the road (in a UK-style setting given the post boxes and school uniform). Dr Buch’s comment: The cyclist is facing on the left-side of the road. It is not a mistake.
2. Cyclist sitting on the bike backwards. Dr Buch’s comment: It is not the most significant mistake in the observation. The point is the incorrect directional movement of the bike being portrayed.
3. Seagulls producing exhaust fumes. Correct identification of mistake.
4. No slot in the post box. Dr Buch’s comment: Shallow appearance, absence of research – is the slot not in viewing?
5. Two post boxes (possibly too efficient for Royal Mail). Dr Buch’s comment: Shallow appearance, absence of research – It is possible on a high street to have two postal coded areas, and it was conveniently placed.
6. Dog wearing a tie. Dr Buch’s comment: Shallow appearance, absence of research – Meme (mere) prejudice. Practical or witty jokes were performed in this era of 1930s-40s.
7. Upside-down advertisements/posters. Correct identification of mistake.
8. Chimney sweep sweeping a chimney with a lit fire. Dr Buch’s comment: Shallow appearance, absence of research – there is no human figure; yes, the human figure would not be in the chimney. All we have is the sweep on top the chimney.
9. Flag design doesn’t match the St George’s flag. Dr Buch’s comment: Shallow appearance, absence of research – there is one flag portrayed, which is more likely intended by the illustrator to be blank. The worse mistake of the A.I. is to assume it was intended to be a St George’s flag.
10. Schoolboy’s cap badge is at the back instead of the front. Dr Buch’s comment: A fair presumption, but absence of research – a likely mistake, but unsubstantiated. More research would be required. It might be ad hoc event that happens.
11. Girls playing with jump ropes have the rope above them instead of under their feet. Most likely correct identification of mistake.
12. Lack of litter and modern elements like vape users, fast food outlets, or charity shops. Dr Buch’s comment: Shallow appearance, absence of research – The biggest mistake in the A.I. presentist prejudice (as programmed). The scene is of the 1930s-40s High Street. It is anachronism to talk of vape users, fast food outlets, or there necessarily being a charity shop on this particular view of the high street.
The failure of the Americanised education system has led to an idiot population. It is persons who program A.I. and believe it without fair skepticism.
Featured Image: The Observation Test
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Neville Buch
Professional Historian at Professional Historians Association (Queensland) Inc.
Neville Buch (Pronounced Book) Ph.D. is a certified member of the Professional Historians Association (Queensland). Since 2010 he has operated a sole trade business in history consultancy. He was a Q ANZAC 100 Fellow 2014-2015 at the State Library of Queensland. Dr Buch was the PHA (Qld) e-Bulletin, the monthly state association’s electronic publication, and was a member of its Management Committee. He is the Managing Director of the Brisbane Southside History Network.
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