The Effectiveness of the Kobayashi Maru Test

[Servo]

So we all know what the test is for, but for the purposes of the thread I'll quote Spock from the '09 film...

"The purpose is to experience fear in the face of certain death. To accept that fear, and maintain control of oneself and one's crew. This is a quality expected in every Starfleet captain."

But my question is this; how can the test effectively achieve this when the cadets are aware they are taking part in a simulation and are in no real danger at any point?

Would it not have been more effective to keep the test a secret, and apply it in a situation where the cadets would believe they were screwed for real? Surely that would be a truer test of their mettle than basically sticking them in an elaborate video game.

 

[Christopher]

Well, evidently opinions differ. That explanation was given in the '09 film because it fit the themes and character arcs of the story. But in The Wrath of Khan, it was ascribed a different purpose that suited the themes of that story: it was to assess how well a cadet dealt with a no-win scenario. And since Saavik needed that explained to her afterward, that's evidently something that cadets aren't told in advance (and the '09 film corroborates this, because when Kirk points out that it's designed to be unwinnable, it's treated as exposing a secret).

Although arguably those are different ways of saying the same thing: they're both about being able to cope in a situation where failure is inevitable. Starfleet cadets on the command track, as a rule, would be very driven and goal-oriented people, and that can be a blind spot. Fear of failure could be as bad as fear of death for such a person; some might even be more willing to risk death than to risk failure, and that could endanger their crews. Ultimately the Kobayashi Maru is about teaching these ambitious young people how to accept their limitations and fallibility, and that's an important part of learning how to wield authority effectively. You don't want a fleet commanded by narcissists and egomaniacs who are convinced they can always triumph, but by commanders who understand they are capable of failure and thus will be more careful and responsible in their choices.

I don't think it's a good idea on general principles to trick cadets into thinking their simulations are genuine life-threatening situations. That way, if a real life-threatening situation came up while they were on a training cruise (like what happened during the "little training cruise" in TWOK, say), they might mistake it for a drill and fail to take necessary precautions, and that could get them killed.

 

[Deckerd]

I think it was originally invented to demonstrate how awesome and a bit of a rebel Kirk was. I think it was reintroduced to demonstrate how awesome and a bit of a rebel Kirk is.

 

[Servo]

Well, evidently opinions differ. That explanation was given in the '09 film because it fit the themes and character arcs of the story. But in The Wrath of Khan, it was ascribed a different purpose that suited the themes of that story: it was to assess how well a cadet dealt with a no-win scenario. And since Saavik needed that explained to her afterward, that's evidently something that cadets aren't told in advance (and the '09 film corroborates this, because when Kirk points out that it's designed to be unwinnable, it's treated as exposing a secret).

Although arguably those are different ways of saying the same thing: they're both about being able to cope in a situation where failure is inevitable. Starfleet cadets on the command track, as a rule, would be very driven and goal-oriented people, and that can be a blind spot. Fear of failure could be as bad as fear of death for such a person; some might even be more willing to risk death than to risk failure, and that could endanger their crews. Ultimately the Kobayashi Maru is about teaching these ambitious young people how to accept their limitations and fallibility, and that's an important part of learning how to wield authority effectively. You don't want a fleet commanded by narcissists and egomaniacs who are convinced they can always triumph, but by commanders who understand they are capable of failure and thus will be more careful and responsible in their choices.

I don't think it's a good idea on general principles to trick cadets into thinking their simulations are genuine life-threatening situations. That way, if a real life-threatening situation came up while they were on a training cruise (like what happened during the "little training cruise" in TWOK, say), they might mistake it for a drill and fail to take necessary precautions, and that could get them killed.

Fair points all round, although I liked Deckerd's response better.

As for Saavik; I always figured that she needed it explained to her because she was a Vulcan, and probably didn't understand the Human emotional reaction to a no-win scenario. To her, an inevitability is an inevitability, and she'd have probably dealt with it with the same cool logic that she'd approach any given situation with.

Although given that Saavik's characterisation was a bit all over the place, I suppose even that assumption would be in question.

 

[RoJoHen]

The Kobayashi Maru Test bugs me a little bit. I like the idea that it is meant to test how a person would react in a no-win scenario, but I hate that people know that it's a no-win scenario going into the test. That should be classified information. Honestly, I think it would make more sense if it was a surprise test. No cadet should be aware at any point that they are taking the Kobayashi Maru test until it's over.

 

[horatio83]

I guess the unofficial rule is that cadets who pass the test and learn about its purpose don't share this knowledge with other cadets who have yet to pass the test.

 

[Caesar753]

^^
That's kind of the impression I got. It seems like cadets would have to be sworn to secrecy in order to keep the point of the test secret. Knowing that you're taking a test with a no-win situation would kind of defeat the purpose. As a side note, I always liked Mackenzie Calhoun's solution to the test.

 

[Christopher]

The Kobayashi Maru Test bugs me a little bit. I like the idea that it is meant to test how a person would react in a no-win scenario, but I hate that people know that it's a no-win scenario going into the test.

But they don't know that going in. Saavik apparently didn't. When she said "There was no way to win," it seemed to me like her interpretation after the fact, not something she'd been told in advance. (Vonda McIntyre's novelization made it even more explicit that Saavik had been deliberately kept in the dark about the test's true purpose until after the fact.) And according to the '09 movie, Kirk didn't figure it out until after the second time he took the test. When Kirk said:

Let me ask you something, I think we all know the answer to. The test itself is a cheat, isn't it? You programmed it to be unwinnable.

...I assume that by "we all" he meant himself, Spock, and the review board. The very fact that he had to ask the question proves that it isn't public knowledge, or at least not officially. McCoy may have known that nobody ever won the KM, but he and other cadets (at least those who hadn't yet taken it) probably just figured that it was an incredibly hard simulation and they just needed to find the solution that nobody else had found.

The only times I've ever seen it unambiguously assumed that cadets knew going in that it was unwinnable were in some of the non-canonical tie-in works about it -- notably the TNG novel Boogeymen by Mel Gilden, which has Picard and Riker actually letting Wesley Crusher take a trial run of the Kobayashi Maru simulation on the holodeck as part of his advance preparation before going to the Academy. I was startled when I read that book, because prior to then I was so accustomed to McIntyre's take on it as a well-kept secret.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I don't suppose it could have been possible to have the cadets enter the simulation without realizing it was in fact a simulation? They did not have holodeck technology at the time of ST XI or TOS, but I'm sure cadets could somehow be tricked into entering a room which appears to be a bridge yet is only a simulator.

 

[RoJoHen]

The Kobayashi Maru Test bugs me a little bit. I like the idea that it is meant to test how a person would react in a no-win scenario, but I hate that people know that it's a no-win scenario going into the test.

But they don't know that going in. Saavik apparently didn't. When she said "There was no way to win," it seemed to me like her interpretation after the fact, not something she'd been told in advance. (Vonda McIntyre's novelization made it even more explicit that Saavik had been deliberately kept in the dark about the test's true purpose until after the fact.) And according to the '09 movie, Kirk didn't figure it out until after the second time he took the test. When Kirk said:

Let me ask you something, I think we all know the answer to. The test itself is a cheat, isn't it? You programmed it to be unwinnable.

...I assume that by "we all" he meant himself, Spock, and the review board. The very fact that he had to ask the question proves that it isn't public knowledge, or at least not officially. McCoy may have known that nobody ever won the KM, but he and other cadets (at least those who hadn't yet taken it) probably just figured that it was an incredibly hard simulation and they just needed to find the solution that nobody else had found.

I guess it bugs me more than he was allowed to take the test multiple times. If the test is meant to judge how well you respond to a no-win scenario, to judge how well you deal with fear in the face of certain death, it shouldn't be the type of thing you get to do over and over again in order to get it right.

It shouldn't be, "Okay, Kirk, it's time for your Kobayashi Maru Exam." It should be, "Okay, Kirk, it's time for a random command simulation." I don't think he should have a clue that he's even taking it until he's in the middle of the thing.

 

[Christopher]

I guess it bugs me more than he was allowed to take the test multiple times. If the test is meant to judge how well you respond to a no-win scenario, to judge how well you deal with fear in the face of certain death, it shouldn't be the type of thing you get to do over and over again in order to get it right.

But that's just it. The point of the test is to assess the psychology of a cadet by seeing how they react. And that's not just about what they do in the simulation itself, but what they do afterward. How does Cadet Kirk react to a no-win scenario? By refusing to accept that he can't win and continuing to throw himself at the problem. That's revealing information about his psychology and approach. It suggests he's in denial about the possibility of defeat. Letting him take the test again and again lets them continue to learn more about his response -- how far will he take it? How many times will he bash his head into the wall before the lesson sinks in? Is he capable of learning/accepting, or is he just too stubborn to adapt? (And of course the response they ultimately did get out of him was one they didn't see coming, but that was still very informative.)

It shouldn't be, "Okay, Kirk, it's time for your Kobayashi Maru Exam." It should be, "Okay, Kirk, it's time for a random command simulation." I don't think he should have a clue that he's even taking it until he's in the middle of the thing.

And maybe that is how it's done the first time. Canonically, we've only seen Saavik's first attempt (in which she didn't seem to know what was coming) and Kirk's third attempt onscreen. (Although several books, comics, and short stories have shown other characters' first tries -- including, oddly, two unrelated stories in the Strange New Worlds anthologies about first-year cadet Nog taking the Kobayashi Maru, even though it's supposed to be for command-track seniors.) But once you've done that, you've learned what you can about the cadet's responses from that setup. If the cadet chooses to go back again knowing what lies ahead, that lets you learn something further about the cadet's psychology, something different.

 

[7thsealord]

Star Fleet likes to throw curve balls when it comes to selecting and testing Academy applicants. Refer that TNG episode (forget the name) where Wesley is being tested, and you will see what I mean.

I believe that the Kobayashi Maru test is not as straightforward as presented. Yes, it helps to determine a cadet's suitability for Command - and that is almost certainly on the mind of EVERY Academy entrant when they first arrive. Not everybody will make the grade, but the Academy seeks out smart, adaptable and highly motivated people to start with - so you figure that all of them will at least toy with the notion..

My theory is that the Kobayashi Maru test is really a test inside a test, possibly wrapped inside an enigma as well.

Here is how I think it goes ....

Fresh from selection, the first year cadets arrive at the Academy, probably feeling some trepidation about what is to come. They are subjected to all kinds of 'learning experiences' and literally bombarded with information.

One thing they are told very early on is that all those aspiring to Command must undergo the Kobayashi Maru test. No exceptions. Instructors are close-mouthed about details - if really pressed, they might drop hints. Upper-classbeings regale the newbies with horrible stories about the stresses involved, like the guy who had a total mental meltdown during his KM test last year - and he is STILL wearing diapers, etc..

What the newbies don't know is that the test is already underway.

So, what does each cadet do?

There may be some who decide "#### That!" and just concentrate on their selected fields, because Command isn't THAT important to them. Some will hit the books (and terminals), trying to research everything about the test. Some may question upper-classbeings in-depth about it. Some might just take a more laidback approach, figuring what will be will be, or whatever. Some may try to assemble their own crack team of fellow cadets for the test. Some might do extra study in odd subjects they think will see them through. Some will put the test off for as long as possible. Some might try to go for the test bareheaded and/or right away, figuring to just get it over with. Some may try several of these ploys, either as part of an overall plan or because they simply can't decide what to do.

Whatever each cadet does, or doesn't do, and how they go about it, is all secretly noted. All this goes towards their assessment.

Fast forward to the actual test. When the inevitable happens, what does the Command wannabe do? Does he/she/it go down fighting? Scream at his Bridge crew? Assume the fetal position? Say "This is total BS. Stop the damn sim. I'm outta here."? Try to negotiate a surrender? Self-destruct their ship? What?

Again, what the cadets do, or don't do, and how they go about it, is all noted and goes into the final assessment.

Then there is the post mortem. Does the Command wannabe blame himself/herself/itself for what happened, or their team, or the people running the sim? Do they go on about how the test is SO unfair, or make suggestions, or say how much they enjoyed the whole thing, or what?

Again, into the assessment.

Finally, what does the Command wannabe do AFTERWARDS. Go away and get drunk? Try to appeal against the (assumed) test score? Laugh the whole thing off, and get on with life? Morosely question their career choice?

... And, occasionally, some loud-mouthed so-and-so pushes extra hard for a re-test, despite it allegedly being 'Not Standard Procedure' - which I take with a grain of salt. I don't believe for one second that Kirk is the only cadet to ever demand a do-over, or that regs specifically prevent this. Make it difficult, sure. Again, part of the test - do you have the fortitude to push your case? Could also be that the cadets are told that any do-over has mucho negative points automatically stacked on it - which adds to the stress of trying to get that first try exactly right.

... Or plays up the self-confidence (read: arrogance) of someone who reckons they WILL do better on the do-over despite that handicap. Sound familiar?

Everything that happens goes into the assessment, and it all helps to determine a cadet's suitability for Command. That is my take on it, anyhow. It all comes down to not simply being the test run itself, but the build-up and aftermath as well.

As far as I can tell, there is nothing in canon that is actually for or against this approach, but it makes sense. Undoubtedly, some will disagree, but that is their right.

 

[Timo]

Canonically, we've only seen Saavik's first attempt (in which she didn't seem to know what was coming) and Kirk's third attempt onscreen.

And had it been left at the first appearance, we could pretend that the test indeed is different each time - that it seldom if ever features a distressed ship named Kobayashi Maru, and that at most Saavik was given a test involving that ship for purely nostalgic reasons, because it was Kirk's special birthday simulation.

Yet the second appearance seems to confirm not only that Kirk, too, specifically saved a ship named Kobayashi Maru, but also that the test itself is semi-officially called "the Kobayashi Maru exam" and has been called this since at least 2254. So the surprise factor is gone, and any surprise remaining must hinge on the previous participants keeping their mouths shut.

"The purpose is to experience fear in the face of certain death."

This is probably Spock deliberately poking Kirk's well-known buttons, rather than attempting to be semantically accurate and concise. The exam could be read that way, among others - and since Spock wants Kirk to crack down in front of the board and start throwing things, he chooses the angle that hopefully will make Kirk realize Spock has been making a game out of daddy's final moments, and throw a tantrum as the result.

It's not as if the Spock of the movie would be ignorant of the nuances of the human psyche...

Timo Saloniemi

 

[Deckerd]

I don't think Spock is at all vindictive. His whole demeanour later in the film is entirely consistent with his demeanour in the trial.

 

[Paradon]

I think they want to see who comes up with the most brilliant tactics and strategies. i think that's the whole purpose of the test.

And i think it's also a psychological test. They wanted to know who is fit for command. They don't want cowards and criminals to be command.

 

[captcalhoun]

Calhoun's test in the novel Stone and Anvil reveals many cadets (maybe it's only other 4th years, as i recall, it's not clear) know what the test involves and congratulate him on his response, saying they wish they'd had the guts to do it.

Calhoun's repsonse is of course - as Christopher says - pyschologically revealing. Whilst Mac doesn't exactly face 'fear' or a no-win scenario, it does show he's a very level-headed thinker able to make snap decisions and then sticks to them.

(for anyone who's not read the book, his response

Spoiler: Stone and Anvil

is to blow the ship out of space, reasoning either it's a trap with no one on board, or that it's a trap and the crew of the ship are victims of the (Romulans in his case) enemy crews, and he is prepared to kill them to save them from torture

and is true to his past as a warlord)

 

[tighr]

I guess it bugs me more than he was allowed to take the test multiple times. If the test is meant to judge how well you respond to a no-win scenario, to judge how well you deal with fear in the face of certain death, it shouldn't be the type of thing you get to do over and over again in order to get it right.

In the TNG episode Thine Own Self, Troi takes the Bridge Officer's Test no less than four times. She's fully aware that it is a simulation, yet continues to take the test. The end result is technically a no-win scenario, because she must order an officer to his death.

So it doesn't seem odd to me that a)cadets know about the test ahead of time, nor b)cadets can re-take the test.

It could even be common knowledge that the test is a no-win scenario (although I like the supporting information here that it is in fact a secret!) but that doesn't change the purpose of the test: to see how the cadets react.

And I believe that Star Trek '09 was the first to say that Kirk took the test three times. If I'm not mistaken, TWOK never mentioned that he took it multiple times, just that he re-programmed the test in order to win.

 

[YARN]

And I believe that Star Trek '09 was the first to say that Kirk took the test three times. If I'm not mistaken, TWOK never mentioned that he took it multiple times, just that he re-programmed the test in order to win.

Yep, and '09 is in a slightly different timeline. It's not binding evidence of what Kirk TOS did.

 

[Christopher]

And I believe that Star Trek '09 was the first to say that Kirk took the test three times. If I'm not mistaken, TWOK never mentioned that he took it multiple times, just that he re-programmed the test in order to win.

Actually TWOK did mention that, or specifically Spock did, in the scene where he gave Kirk A Tale of Two Cities: "The Kobayashi Maru scenario frequently wreaks havoc with students and equipment. As I recall you took the test three times yourself. Your final solution was, shall we say, unique?"

 

[YARN]

And I believe that Star Trek '09 was the first to say that Kirk took the test three times. If I'm not mistaken, TWOK never mentioned that he took it multiple times, just that he re-programmed the test in order to win.

Actually TWOK did mention that, or specifically Spock did, in the scene where he gave Kirk A Tale of Two Cities: "The Kobayashi Maru scenario frequently wreaks havoc with students and equipment. As I recall you took the test three times yourself. Your final solution was, shall we say, unique?"

Well, I guess that settles that. Oops.