Procedure. As in [year XII, test 6]. Use the same fables.
Scoring. The method of scoring is the same as for [XII], but the total score must be 8 points to satisfy the requirements at this level.
Remarks. For discussion of test, see [XII, 5].
Average adult, 3: differences between abstract terms
Procedure. Say: What is the difference between:—
- Laziness and idleness?
- Evolution and revolution?
- Poverty and misery?
- Character and reputation?
Scoring. Three correct contrasting definitions out of four are necessary for a pass. It is not sufficient merely to give a correct meaning for each word of a pair; the subject must point out a difference between the two words so as to make a real contrast. For example, if the subject defines evolution as a “growth” or “gradual change,” and revolution as the turning of a wheel on its axis, the experimenter should say: “Yes, but I want you to tell me the difference between evolution and revolution.” If the contrast is not then forthcoming the response is marked minus.
The following are sample definitions which may be considered acceptable:—
(a) Laziness and idleness. “It is laziness if you won’t work, and idleness if you are willing to work but haven’t any job.” “Lots of men are idle who are not lazy and would like to work if they had something to do.” “Laziness means you don’t want to work; idleness means you are not doing anything just now.” “Idle people may be lazy, or they may just happen to be out of a job.” “It is laziness when you don’t like to work, and idleness when you are not working.” “An idle person might be willing to work; a lazy man won’t work.” “Laziness comes from within; idleness may be forced upon one.” “Laziness is aversion to activity; idleness is simply the state of inactivity.” “Laziness is idleness from choice or preference; idleness means doing nothing.”
The essential contrast, accordingly, is that laziness refers to unwillingness to work; idleness to the mere fact of inactivity. This contrast must be expressed, however clumsily.
(b) Evolution and revolution. “Evolution is a gradual change; revolution is a sudden change.” “Evolution is natural development; revolution is sudden upheaval.” “Evolution means an unfolding or development; revolution means a complete upsetting of everything.” “Evolution is the gradual development of a country or government; revolution is a quick change of government.” “Evolution takes place by natural force; a revolution is caused by an outside force.” “Evolution is growth; revolution is a quick change from existing conditions.” “Evolution is a natural change; revolution is a violent change.” “Evolution is growth step by step; revolution is more sudden and radical in its action.” “Evolution is a change brought about by peaceful development, while revolution is brought about by an uprising.”
The essential distinction, accordingly, is that evolution means a gradual, natural, or slow change, while revolution means a sudden, forced, or violent change. Non-contrasting definitions, even when the individual terms are defined correctly, are not satisfactory.
(c) Poverty and misery. “Poverty is when you are poor; misery means suffering.” “Only the poor are in poverty, but everybody can be miserable.” “Poverty is the lowest stage of poorness; misery means pain.” “The poor are not always miserable, and the rich are miserable sometimes.” “Poverty means to be in want; misery comes from any kind of suffering or anguish.” “The poor are in poverty; the sick are in misery.” “Poverty is the condition of being very poor financially; misery is a feeling which any class of people can have.” “One who is poor is in poverty; one who is wretched or doesn’t enjoy life is in misery.” “Poverty comes from lack of money; misery, from lack of happiness or comfort.” “Misery means distress. It can come from poverty or many other things.”
(d) Character and reputation. “Character is what you are; reputation is what people say about you.” “You have character if you are honest; but you might be honest and still have a bad reputation among people who misjudge you.” “Character is your real self; reputation is the opinion people have about you.” “Your character depends upon yourself; reputation depends on what others think of you.” “Character means your real morals; reputation is the way you are known in the world.” “A man has a good character if he would not do evil; but a man may have a good reputation and still have a bad character.”
A little practice and a good deal of discrimination are necessary for the correct grading of responses to this test. Subjects are often so clumsy in expression that their responses are anything but clear. It is then necessary to ask them to explain what they mean. Further questioning, however, is not permissible. For uniformity in scoring it is necessary to bear in mind that the definitions given must, in order to be satisfactory, express the essential distinction between the two words.