THE TECHNIQUE OF GIVING TESTS 159
stop watch. In nearly all psychological tests, the use of a
stop watch is essential. To be sure, much finer timerecording
instruments are used by psychologists; but for
the practical purposes of employment, the split-second
stop watch is accurate enough. The question of importance,
however, is the manner in which this watch is to be
used. If the subject is allowed to see the watch, he will
become aware of the fact that he is being timed, and this
is likely to make him self-conscious and to increase his
‘nervousness”. Therefore, it is better to keep the watch
as far as possible concealed. For this purpose, a table
^ith a shelf in place of a drawer will prove very convenient.
The examiner can keep his watch on this shelf,
out of sight of the subject but under his own eyes, and
easily within his field of action. It is also wise to have two
stop watches; for it quite frequently happens that one
tuns down or gets out of order without the knowledge of
the examiner. The occasional use of a second watch,
started “in team” with the first, will call attention to
this defect.
A necessary part of every examination is the recording
°f the subject’s name, age, and a few other facts which are
Necessary for the records of the examiner. If possible,
these facts should be obtained before the applicant is
sent to the psychological examiner. However, where this
ls not practicable, no questions should be asked until the
tests have been given. It has been found that asking
Questions is very likely to make the subject uneasy. There
ar e, to be sure, examiners who can ask questions in such a
Way as to set an applicant quite at ease. However, here
a gain the personal equation enters in. In order to safeguard
against this uncertainty, the method of giving a
shock-absorber was devised. There is less chance of
