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BOB HIRSHON (host):
An online computer system may make it easy to find the right person for any job—or even the right mate for any person. University of Calgary researchers report that a technique called "synthetic validity" could be applied to data provided online by tens of thousands of people. In a matter of hours, the system was able analyze and compare the information, and then identify superior performers for particular jobs. They said the same technique could also identity romantic partners.
In other news, Washingon University researchers report that students who take frequent quizzes learn more than students who just study. Quizzed students retained knowledge far longer, suggesting that tests not only assess learning, but may also enhance it.
I’m Bob Hirshon, for AAAS, the science society.