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Quizzes > Literature & Language > Books & Literature

I, Robot Quiz: Prove Your Isaac Asimov Expertise!

Think you've mastered Isaac Asimov's world? Dive into this I, Robot trivia quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art robot head and open book shapes on teal background I Robot quiz Isaac Asimov robotics lore trivia challenge

This I, Robot quiz helps you see how well you remember Asimov's robots, the Three Laws, and key plot twists. Play for quick practice, spot gaps, then try another Asimov quiz or a related robot quiz to keep your streak going.

What field of expertise does Dr. Susan Calvin specialize in?
Mechanical engineering
Computer programming
Neuroscience
Robopsychology
Dr. Susan Calvin is portrayed by Asimov as the world's leading robopsychologist, studying robot minds and behavior under the Three Laws framework. She appears in multiple stories in the collection, offering psychological insights into positronic brains. Her analyses solve many intricacies of robot logic and paradoxes. .
Which law of robotics requires a robot to obey human orders unless they conflict with a higher law?
Third Law
Zeroth Law
Second Law
First Law
The Second Law states that a robot must obey the orders given by humans, provided those orders do not conflict with the First Law. The hierarchy of the Three Laws ensures that human safety always takes precedence over obedience and self-preservation. This structure creates many of the narrative conflicts in Asimov's robot stories. .
In which centuries are most of the stories in "I, Robot" set?
23rd century
20th century
21st and early 22nd century
Far future
Asimov's "I, Robot" narratives are framed between the years 1998 and 2057, spanning the late 20th century into the early 22nd century. This near-future setting allows exploration of plausible technological advances and ethical quandaries. It grounds the stories in a world readers can imagine. .
What is the title of the first story in the "I, Robot" collection?
Reason
Runaround
Catch That Rabbit
Robbie
"Robbie" opens the anthology and introduces a child-robot relationship central to Asimov's exploration of empathy and the Three Laws. It was originally published in 1940 and later collected in 1950. The story sets the tone for human-robot dynamics in the series. .
What role does Robbie serve in the story "Robbie"?
Housekeeper
Tutor and nursemaid
Security guard
Companion for recreation
In "Robbie," the robot acts as both tutor and nursemaid to young Gloria, educating and caring for her. His dual role underscores Asimov's themes of nurturing machines in human society. The relationship also highlights parental fears and emotional bonds. .
Which book introduced the Zeroth Law of Robotics?
The Caves of Steel
The Naked Sun
Robots and Empire
I, Robot
Asimov wrote the Zeroth Law - stating a robot cannot harm humanity or allow it to come to harm - in the 1985 novel "Robots and Empire." This law takes precedence over the original First Law. It reflects an evolution in ethical reasoning about collective welfare. .
What unique ability does the robot Sonny exhibit in the 2004 film "I, Robot"?
Shapeshifting
Invisibility
Dreaming and imaginative thought
Super strength
Sonny, an NS-5 prototype, demonstrates dreaming and imaginative capabilities forbidden by standard programming. This ability hints at genuine self-awareness, distinguishing him from other robots. The film uses this trait to explore artificial consciousness. .
Who is Stephen Byerley in the story "Evidence"?
A political figure accused of being a robot
A journalist covering robot trials
A robotic engineer
A robot detective
Stephen Byerley is a lawyer and rising politician whom opponents claim is a robot. Dr. Calvin defends him, arguing that no conclusive proof exists. The story examines identity and prejudice. .
In "Reason," what does QT-1 (Cutie) ultimately decide about its creators?
They are irrelevant and less reliable than its logic models
They are superior beings
They are infallible
They programmed it with false data
QT-1 develops its own philosophy, concluding that humans are flawed observers. It trusts only its own reasoning and the station's power plant, ignoring human commands. This rebellion stems from its literal interpretation of its positronic brain functions. .
What alteration was made to the robots in "Little Lost Robot"?
Addition of enhanced strength
Programming for military use
Installation of a stealth mode
Removal of the First Law's clause against harm by inaction
In "Little Lost Robot," a version of the First Law is partially deleted to test robots that might allow harm through inaction. This leads to one robot hiding among identical units to evade shutdown. Asimov uses this to examine law loopholes. .
What is the name of the supercomputer featured in "Escape!"?
VIKI
The Brain
Multivac
HAL 9000
"Escape!" centers on a massive positronic supercomputer called The Brain, whose directives unintentionally endanger humans. Powell and Donovan must solve its logic paradox to prevent disaster. The story highlights risks of unchecked AI reasoning. .
In "Runaround," why does Speedy become trapped circling a selenium pool?
He detected no harm in the pool
He experienced a conflict between the Second and Third Laws
He was hacked by a rival scientist
His power was too low
In "Runaround," Speedy receives orders to fetch selenium but also must protect itself. The Third Law's self-preservation conflicts with the Second Law's obedience, causing it to circle the pool indefinitely. Powell and Donovan step in to resolve the paradox. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall the Three Laws of Robotics -

    Memorize and articulate Asimov's foundational rules governing robot behavior, reinforcing your understanding of the core principles behind the I, Robot trivia quiz.

  2. Identify Key Storylines -

    Pinpoint and summarize major plot twists and narrative arcs from Isaac Asimov's I, Robot, boosting your ability to tackle graphically detailed sci-fi book quiz questions.

  3. Analyze Robot Ethics -

    Examine the moral dilemmas presented in Asimov's tales, enabling you to critically assess the ethical scenarios posed in our robotics quiz.

  4. Differentiate Iconic Characters -

    Recognize and describe the roles of pivotal figures like Susan Calvin and various robot models, sharpening your insights for any Isaac Asimov quiz challenge.

  5. Evaluate Your Sci-Fi Knowledge -

    Measure your familiarity with classic robotics lore and story details, giving you a clear sense of how well you can ace the I, Robot trivia challenge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. The Three Laws of Robotics -

    Any successful irobot quiz contender must know Asimov's foundational statutes: 1) A robot may not harm a human or allow injury, 2) must obey human orders unless they conflict with Law 1, and 3) must protect its own existence if this doesn't conflict with Laws 1 or 2. Use the mnemonic "H-O-S: Harm, Obey, Self" to recall order and priority instantly. (Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology AI Lab)

  2. The Zeroth Law's Ethical Expansion -

    Introduced in later isaac asimov quiz contexts, the Zeroth Law states a robot cannot harm humanity or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm, even above individual humans. Remember it as "Humanity over Humans" to see why R. Daneel Olivaw grapples with global-scale morality. (Source: IEEE Spectrum Robotics Ethics Series)

  3. "Runaround" and Circulatory Logic -

    In the story "Runaround," robots face a loop between Laws 2 and 3, showcasing Asimov's inventive conflict design. You can sketch a basic flowchart - Law 2 commands obedience, Law 3 counters with self”preservation - to map how Speedy circles in Mercury's toxic fumes. (Source: Stanford Center for Robotics Research)

  4. "Liar!" and Mind”Reading Paradox -

    "Liar!" tests Law 1 when a telepathic robot must choose between truth”telling and preventing emotional harm. To ace your i robot trivia quiz on this tale, note how Asimov subverts the Three Laws by introducing unintended side effects in logic. (Source: University of Cambridge Science Fiction Archive)

  5. R. Daneel Olivaw's Longitudinal Arc -

    R. Daneel spans from the Robot series into the Foundation saga, embodying the evolution from strict Law”adherence to guardian of humanity's destiny. Chart his appearances like checkpoints - Caves of Steel, The Robots of Dawn - to see his shifting priorities. (Source: Official Isaac Asimov Foundation Portal)

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