XIV 
THE TECHNIQUE OF GIVING TESTS 
Psychology, like every other science, has a distinct 
technique. This technique consists of certain well-defined 
and accurate methods of procedure. Giving tests, for 
instance, seems comparatively simple to one who is not 
familiar with the methods of psychology. However, 
there are minute details to consider and directions to 
follow of which the untrained individual has no concep 
tion. The technique of giving tests, like the technique of 
the physician and chemist, can be acquired in its com 
pleteness only by careful study and continued practice. 
An error in method, so slight as to entirely escape the 
uninitiate, is likely to render the results meaningless. 
The care of the chemist in weighing and mixing his com 
pounds is well known. The psychologist must be even 
more careful and painstaking, because he is working in the 
most delicate and sensitive medium known; namely, the 
human mind. 
Although the technique of psychology, so far as it has 
been developed, can be acquired only by years of study and 
training, there are certain phases of it which the more 
casual student can learn in a shorter time; just as there are 
phases of mixing chemicals which one can learn without 
becoming a fully trained chemist. The purpose of the 
present chapter is to discuss some of the fundamental and 
more obvious features of giving tests, such as must be at 
the command of the employment manager who wishes to 
give them. 
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