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 time 
recording instruments are used by psychologists; but for 
the practical purposes of employment, the split-second 
stop watch is accurate enough. The question of impor 
tance, 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 con 
venient. 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 safe 
guard against this uncertainty, the method of giving a 
shock-absorber was devised. There is less chance of