EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY
land Aggressiveness Test (119) requiring the sub-
ject to do problems in mental arithmetic while staring
the examiner in the eye.
Technique. A convenient basis for classifying tests is
the number of persons who may be tested at one time. This
classification is commonly limited to two categories:
1. Individual tests
2. Group tests
It is pertinent here to point out the relative advantages
of these two types of test.
A test which can be given to a group of persons at once
has the advantage that it reduces the cost, and the time of
the examiner. With the right motivation it is not difficult
to preserve order, and cheating may be controlled by the
exercise of care. A suitable room equipped for the purpose
is desirable.
The group test has some disadvantages. It limits the
variety of reactions which may be studied. If it requires
duplicating expensive apparatus the cost may outweigh the
saving in time.
The individual test, the test given to one person at a time,
demands more of the examiner, but permits the use of more
elaborate apparatus and the measurement of a greater
variety of reactions.
In theory some small weight may attach to the distinc-
tion between the two types of tests in the way they repro-
duce the job conditions; that is, if the job requires the men
to work together in groups, then in theory group tests may
be the kind to use, and if they work singly, individual tests
may be preferable. Such considerations would, however,
have weight only if the job analysis had shown that an im-
portant social aspect of the job were closely reproduced by
the test situation.
The individual test not only allows a wider latitude in
testing, but is often more practical in application, since can-
didates must usually be examined singly.
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