Podcast
Questions and Answers
What did the researchers at University College London find about London cab drivers' hippocampi?
What did the researchers at University College London find about London cab drivers' hippocampi?
- They found that the hippocampi of London cab drivers were larger than average. (correct)
- They found that the hippocampi of London cab drivers were the same size as average.
- They found that the hippocampi of London cab drivers were less developed.
- They found that the hippocampi of London cab drivers were smaller than average.
How does the text describe the experience of London cab drivers when asked where to go?
How does the text describe the experience of London cab drivers when asked where to go?
- An explosion in the brain (correct)
- A sense of confusion
- A surge of emotion
- A feeling of frustration
What happens to the hippocampus of cabbies when they retire and stop using their spatial mapping regularly?
What happens to the hippocampus of cabbies when they retire and stop using their spatial mapping regularly?
- It starts to shrink back to normal size. (correct)
- It grows even larger.
- It remains the same size.
- It becomes more developed.
What is the downside of having a big hippocampus according to the text?
What is the downside of having a big hippocampus according to the text?
How does the text describe the effect of memorizing a detailed map of a sprawling city on cabbies' brain?
How does the text describe the effect of memorizing a detailed map of a sprawling city on cabbies' brain?
What does earning the credentials to drive one of London’s iconic cabs require?
What does earning the credentials to drive one of London’s iconic cabs require?
What is 'The Knowledge' according to the text?
What is 'The Knowledge' according to the text?
Why is learning the map of London compared to earning a black belt in karate, becoming an Eagle Scout, and vying for admission to Mensa?
Why is learning the map of London compared to earning a black belt in karate, becoming an Eagle Scout, and vying for admission to Mensa?
What is the main challenge faced by those aiming to drive a taxi in London according to the text?
What is the main challenge faced by those aiming to drive a taxi in London according to the text?
What is the timeframe within which very good aspiring taxi drivers can master 'The Knowledge'?
What is the timeframe within which very good aspiring taxi drivers can master 'The Knowledge'?
What is the term for waving down a taxi without calling it?
What is the term for waving down a taxi without calling it?
What should you provide when calling a taxi dispatch operator?
What should you provide when calling a taxi dispatch operator?
What does it mean when a taxi's light is off?
What does it mean when a taxi's light is off?
What is the purpose of asking 'Can I schedule a taxi pick up for 5am tomorrow?'
What is the purpose of asking 'Can I schedule a taxi pick up for 5am tomorrow?'
What is the common question a taxi driver may ask you?
What is the common question a taxi driver may ask you?
What is the purpose of asking 'Do you have a flat fee to the airport?' when taking a taxi?
What is the purpose of asking 'Do you have a flat fee to the airport?' when taking a taxi?
What is the significance of knowing the exchange rate and asking 'What’s your exchange rate?' when taking a taxi?
What is the significance of knowing the exchange rate and asking 'What’s your exchange rate?' when taking a taxi?
What does it mean when a passenger says 'Keep the change.' before leaving the cab?
What does it mean when a passenger says 'Keep the change.' before leaving the cab?
Why might a passenger ask 'May I have a receipt please?' when leaving the cab?
Why might a passenger ask 'May I have a receipt please?' when leaving the cab?
What is implied when a passenger asks 'Do you accept debit?' before starting the journey?
What is implied when a passenger asks 'Do you accept debit?' before starting the journey?
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Study Notes
London Taxi Drivers
- Researchers at University College London found that London cab drivers' hippocampi are larger due to their extensive spatial mapping and navigation experience.
The Knowledge
- Earning the credentials to drive a London taxi requires mastering "The Knowledge," a detailed map of London that takes very good aspiring drivers 12-18 months to master.
- "The Knowledge" is a rigorous mental map of 25,000 routes and 20,000 landmarks that drivers must commit to memory.
- Learning "The Knowledge" is compared to earning a black belt in karate, becoming an Eagle Scout, or vying for admission to Mensa.
Taxi Experience
- When asked where to go, London cab drivers quickly recall complex routes and landmarks from their mental map.
- The hippocampus of retired cabbies who stop using their spatial mapping regularly tends to shrink.
- A downside of having a large hippocampus is that it may make it harder to adapt to new spatial information.
Taking a Taxi
- "Hailing" a taxi means waving down a taxi without calling it.
- When calling a taxi dispatch operator, provide your pickup location and any special requests.
- A taxi with its light off is not available for hire.
- Asking "Can I schedule a taxi pick up for 5am tomorrow?" is a way to book a taxi in advance.
Paying for a Taxi
- A common question a taxi driver may ask is "Do you want me to take the highway?" or "Do you want me to take a toll road?"
- Asking "Do you have a flat fee to the airport?" helps passengers understand the fare structure.
- Knowing the exchange rate and asking "What’s your exchange rate?" helps international passengers plan their trip.
- Saying "Keep the change" before leaving the cab means the passenger is leaving a tip.
- Asking "May I have a receipt please?" when leaving the cab is useful for expense reports or reimbursements.
- Asking "Do you accept debit?" before starting the journey clarifies payment options.
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