l6o EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY 
clumsiness and lack of uniformity when this method is 
used than when the matter is left to the discretion of the 
various examiners. The questions which must be asked 
can then be asked at the conclusion of the tests when the 
effects will no longer be of consequence. 
Another important factor in the successful giving of 
tests is an attitude of assurance on the part of the ex 
aminer. This is particularly true where tests are being 
given in shops and offices for experimental purposes. 
There is always a possibility that some worker will resent 
being tested. An apologetic and conciliatory air on the 
part of the examiner will encourage the exhibition of this 
hostility if it is latent. An attitude of complete assurance 
will cause its repression. The examiner must conduct his 
examination as if it were the one important thing in the 
world. The response will in most cases be a reflection of 
this suggestion. This does not mean, however, that the 
examiner should be abrupt or over-confident. An air of 
presumption is extremely likely to provoke the very 
hostility which the examiner is trying to avoid. In ad 
dition to this, a policy of entire frankness is conducive 
to cooperation on the part of those being tested. In the 
course of the experiments which have been described, it 
was the unfailing practice to make a brief and direct 
statement as to the purpose of the tests, and to place this 
statement in the hands of all those affected. This was 
usually done through the foreman or through some other 
member of the shop whose character would vouch for the 
motives behind the experiment. When this was not 
sufficient and the workers being tested were inclined to 
ask for further information, the information was always 
given. In fact, some very excellent suggestions from the 
workmen were obtained in this way.