Why are Quizzes so popular, anyways?

The origin of the word “quiz” is amusing (see Quiz definitions article), and so are quizzes them selves. But why is it that millions and millions of people love to take, watch, and create quizzes?

Personally, I think that knowledge and curiosity are the keywords here.

Knowledge and science

Knowledge; to know something, to add new knowledge, to know what you know, and know what you don’t know, as well – that’s a driver for most people. It almost becomes scientific. For instance I found the following take the following quote:

“Indeed the word science is derived from the Latin word scire, meaning, “to know.” Science is dynamic, which means it is constantly developing, the science today is not exactly the same as it was, say, fifty years ago. This is so because scientists are always on the look out for new knowledge. To gather new knowledge, scientists have to constantly ask questions, starting with What, Why, When, Where and How. Asking such questions is curiosity”. 
http://hypography.com/forums/articles/7546-fascination-science.html April 6, 2008

Motivation to take quizzes

I think that the above quotation frames it well. Man is curious by nature, and to learn what you know and don’t know about a subject, that is, I think, a great motivator for people to take quizzes. In addition is the movement towards self-assertion: the endeavor to become the smartest (which is also a key driver) and the desire of showing off lies deeply in all of us.

Improve yourself

So you are well excused when you spend time here at QuizIndex finding fun quizzes. And if you want to be better prepared for quizzes by improving your memory; read the article about how to improve your trivia skills - or check out this fantastic photographic memory programme.