EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY 
time limit is set so low that not more than 5% or 10% of the 
group are able to complete the task. Speed is then measured 
by the number of units completed in the given time. 
Most persons who take psychological tests are under the 
impression that they ought to finish the test within the time 
limit, and only a great amount of explanation will convince 
them that this is not the case, and that the important thing 
is their rank relative to the others who take the test. Some 
examiners have adopted the plan of stating that the test has 
been made so long that no one can possibly complete it in 
the time allowed, setting the time limit accordingly. 
The time limit may be determined by preliminary trial 
with a few subjects, or it may be determined in a group 
examination by calling time when 5% or 10% (or go% or 
05%), depending on conditions) seem to have finished. This 
time limit, of course, should be rigidly adhered to thereafter. 
DIRECTIONS AND FORE-EXERCISE 
Since the directions are intended to make sure that the 
person to be tested knows exactly what is expected of him, 
they must not be too brief. They cannot be too clear and 
explicit. It is even more important to make the directions 
absolutely clear in group testing than in individual testing, 
for time cannot be taken out if questions as to procedure 
arise after the test has begun. The wording should be chosen 
in accordance with the educational level of the persons to 
be examined, and rarely does an investigator strike precisely 
this level without repeated trials. He unwittingly errs by 
using terms outside the accustomed vocabulary of his sub- 
jects, or he chooses illustrations so obvious or childish that 
they amuse or offend the subject more than they inform him. 
It is a skilful maker of tests who can strike the narrow zone 
of clarity while avoiding both the abstruse and the silly. 
To make sure that the directions are understood, sample 
tasks and solutions should be given. The best tests provide, 
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