THE VOCATIONAL VALUE OF TESTS 187 
almost no explanation is required. The use of form boards 
■with special reference to this problem has been described 
in Chapter XV. Elaborations of this test will undoubtedly 
help to solve this problem. 
The vocational value of tests in industries may now be 
briefly summarized. The problem of every industrial 
organization is to select and train its workers in such a 
manner as to make the best possible use of their abilities. 
In order to do this successfully, it is necessary to discover 
the exact ability, both innate and acquired, of each in 
dividual. Unless these facts are known, it becomes im 
possible to assign the individual to the work for which 
he is best fitted or to give him the training which he de 
serves. The application of psychological tests in those 
fields where their value has been verified is the only 
method, short of the laborious and costly method of trial 
and error, which makes it possible to discover these facts. 
Once the potential and actual ability of an individual 
has been discovered, the vocational selection or training 
°f that individual can be decided with a measurable de 
gree of intelligence. Whether we interpret vocation in 
terms of work for its own sake or work for the sake of the 
reward which it brings, the application of tests makes it 
possible to promote both the interests of the organization 
a «d the welfare of the individual workers.