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EMPLOYMENT  PSYCHOLOGY

theless,  the  success  of  future  experiments  in  the  same
direction  seems  assured.
The  outstanding  feature  of  this  experiment,  however,
is  the  manner  in  which  it  was  received  by  the  shop  men.
This  reception  clearly  indicated  that  a  psychological  experiment, ­
  with  all  its  novelty  and  necessary  details,  can
be  conducted  among  shop  men  in  such  a  way  as  to  secure
their  hearty  interest  and  approval.  Indeed,  the  psychologist ­
  who  can  adapt  himself  to  a  situation  of  this  kind  and
who  can  genuinely  amalgamate  himself  with  the  work
and  spirit  of  the  shop,  will  find  himself  in  a  very  fortunate
and  strategic  position.  Men  will  be  only  too  glad  to  explain ­
  to  him  the  nature  of  their  work  and  to  point  out  the
little  intricacies  and  subtleties  which  can  so  easily  escape
even  the  trained  observer.  Subsequent  experiments  have
demonstrated  the  value  of  such  an  attitude  and  have  also
shown  that  the  best  way  in  which  the  psychologist  can
promote  it  is  by  beginning,  not  as  a  psychologist,  but  as  a
workman,  actually  donning  the  apron  or  the  overalls,
and  learning  the  nature  of  the  job  by  doing  it.  Nothing
else  is  so  convincing  a  proof  of  the  experimenter’s  sincerity
and  thoroughness;  and  nothing  will  do  so  much  to  win  the
sanction  and  cooperation  of  the  men  to  be  examined.