But I'm kind of interested by the part of your post I quoted. I'm not at all criticizing your point of view -- it's very understandable, and yet I don't quite understand. I can see, since you did indeed demonstrate fine ability, yeah, it might seem like asking....I don't know, a language student to spend time conjugating verbs or whatever.
However, the one thing I enjoy about the Raven's is that it's the one absolutely subject-free (arguably -- see my issues above) framework that seems to work the very skills I use when working on various logics, and the same skills for dealing with algebraic relations (homomorphisms, and so forth over various structures). I know not everyone's really into that stuff, but that's why I approach the Raven's as kind of like doing scales on a musical instrument, or maybe doing pushups or something.
Not intended to be advice in anyway, just that I was interested to hear your different perspective, and since I think it's a fascinating subject, thought I'd pop back in and do some blah-de-blah.
You're asking why I don't enjoy it just for the mental exercise itself?
If so, it's probably many things. The most important thing... I don't like to dwell on things, especially those I'm not interested in/find fascinating. I'm very impatient (probably a tactile learner), I need to see results or "the hell with it!". I often look at INTPs (or other Ti types), I envy them but at the same time "ain't nobody got time for that!" I hate all types of riddles etc.
IQ tests are often too repetitive, not challenging enough (patterns are obvious to me by nature, it's just a matter of time to fill the blanks and to find the answer) so I don't see how it contributes to improving my skills. I imagine people who have "problems" with this type of thinking might get more "AHA!" moments when they figured out the answer and a reward afterwards.
I do enjoy tests that check your spatial reasoning ( especially those tough ones), even though I'm very good at them.
It's because they force me to use my brain (no obvious patterns), practise spatial abilities/imagination/shape manipulation(or how to call it), you can see improvement, and ease. The most important thing- it can be a useful skill, for me, in the real world.
Same with practising memory etc
Not sure if I wasn't talking off topic.
