THE TECHNIQUE OF GIVING TESTS 157 
After the preliminary test has been given, the regular 
tests should follow continuously, and the results be re 
corded. Here again, unless the utmost care is exercised, 
difficulties are likely to arise. Take, as an example, the 
matter of starting tests. Before beginning a test, it is 
necessary to give some kind of starting signal. The word 
go is a very simple and commonly understood word, and 
suggests itself readily for this purpose. Nevertheless, 
this little word is full of danger, as a momentary consider 
ation will make clear. The examiner may finish his direc 
tions to the subject for a given test with the following 
■Words: “Now, at the word go, turn over the sheet and do 
Just what you have been told. Do it as carefully and as 
Quickly as possible, but do not rush. Ready? Go!” 
Whereupon the subject will rush through the test with the 
speed and nervousness of a sprinter who has been set off 
by a pistol. The words ready and go, harmless as they 
seem, are associated with all the tenseness and excitement 
°f a race, and consequently tend to induce, by suggestion, 
the same state of tenseness and excitement in the mind of 
the person being tested. Even if the examiner does not 
utter them in the sharp tones of one starting a race, the 
effect is likely to be the same. Instead of preserving the 
calmness which has just been induced in the subject, 
they induce another state of nervousness, possibly more 
acute than the preceding one. There are times when it 
ls desirable to promote such a state of mind and to obtain 
a result which is based upon frantic effort. However, for 
the purposes of employment, it is much more desirable 
to obtain a characteristic result, one which conforms more 
Uearly to the applicant’s ordinary state of mind and speed 
°f motion. 
Therefore, the examiner should be careful to avoid