Re: Quiz errors
2961. post - 2011.06.24. 12:55:41 (Reply to post #2960 of stekkos.)
2961. post - 2011.06.24. 12:55:41 (Reply to post #2960 of stekkos.)
Quote: stekkos - 2011.06.24. 11:41:36
I would agree if the answer given in the question was an acute toxin, but it isn't (methylmercury would be, but as the question is worded it's just "mercury" which would indicate elementary metallic mercury which while toxic does damage on the same level as iron, although the dose level as easy of ingestion is lower). I can agree that it would be silly if the Quiz would turn into a legal document, but there is a line between questions that are of the "legal document type" and questions that are "correct enough". Remember that in principle people learn things from this quiz and it is nice if we don't teach people "wrong".
Very specifically in this problem is the definition of poisonous.
"The term poison with regards to biology and chemistry is often misused due to lack of a universal definition. Biologically speaking, any substance if given in large enough amounts is poisonous and can cause death."
"Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, once wrote: "Everything is poison, there is poison in everything. Only the dose makes a thing not a poison." The term "poison" is often used colloquially to describe any harmful substance, particularly corrosive substances, carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and harmful pollutants, and to exaggerate the dangers of chemicals."
"In the medical sense, poisoning can be caused by less dangerous substances than those receiving the legal classification of "poison"."
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison)
I could go on an argue about the difference between a toxin and a poison, but I think we both think that is unnecessary. I don't see what would be wrong in changing the question to what i proposed.
I said to a previous post about another question that i dont want this quiz to become a legal document were everything has to be defined at extreme detail. When we say poisonus, we mean it is toxic to humans. Water is NEVER toxic. At great quantitys it can cause even death due to cell membranes dessolving, but that is not what the question asks. Same with iron and titanium, anyone can find a way to kill you with them but they are not a poison to humans. Especially when talking about water or iron, they are essential for life.
So to avoid every little detail being contested, some things has to be taken for granded.
So to avoid every little detail being contested, some things has to be taken for granded.

I would agree if the answer given in the question was an acute toxin, but it isn't (methylmercury would be, but as the question is worded it's just "mercury" which would indicate elementary metallic mercury which while toxic does damage on the same level as iron, although the dose level as easy of ingestion is lower). I can agree that it would be silly if the Quiz would turn into a legal document, but there is a line between questions that are of the "legal document type" and questions that are "correct enough". Remember that in principle people learn things from this quiz and it is nice if we don't teach people "wrong".
Very specifically in this problem is the definition of poisonous.
"The term poison with regards to biology and chemistry is often misused due to lack of a universal definition. Biologically speaking, any substance if given in large enough amounts is poisonous and can cause death."
"Paracelsus, the father of toxicology, once wrote: "Everything is poison, there is poison in everything. Only the dose makes a thing not a poison." The term "poison" is often used colloquially to describe any harmful substance, particularly corrosive substances, carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens and harmful pollutants, and to exaggerate the dangers of chemicals."
"In the medical sense, poisoning can be caused by less dangerous substances than those receiving the legal classification of "poison"."
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison)
I could go on an argue about the difference between a toxin and a poison, but I think we both think that is unnecessary. I don't see what would be wrong in changing the question to what i proposed.
This post was modified by Sbart at 2011.06.24. 16:46:38
Score: 5