Mentimeter No. 27
POETIC DISCRIMINATION TEST
Character of the Test.
Differences in the intellectual abilities of people manifest themselves in three fairly distinct ways: first, in ability to accomplish results; second, in ability to think clearly about the situations in which they find themselves; and third, in the feelings which these situations arouse. Practically all of the tests now available for measuring educational achievements or intellectual ability are concerned primarily with the ability to do or to think about situations. This member of the Mentimeter family is concerned chiefly with the way in which one feels about different types and qualities of poetic expression. The test cannot be given to illiterate or foreign language speaking persons. It is planned as a group test of persons who read and understand English readily.
The test consists of six short stanzas selected from recognized English poets.[[4]] Two false versions of each stanza have been prepared and appear on the same page with the original. The group being examined are asked to read each version, trying to think how it would sound if read aloud, and to choose the one which they like “best” and the one which they consider the “poorest” poetry. The differences between the false versions and the true in the first set are smaller than the differences found in the succeeding ones. The score obtained by any individual therefore depends upon how small a difference he can notice.
[4]. The Best Version in each set is selected from the writings of recognized poets:
Set I William Wordsworth in “She Dwelt Among.” Set II Agnes Millay in “My Tavern.” Set III Percy Bysshe Shelley in “To——” Set IV Algernon Charles Swinburne in “Étude Réaliste.” Set V Edward Coote Pinkney in “Health.” Set VI James Thompson in “Sunday Up the River.”
Mr. Earl Hudelson contributed the Middle and Poorest Versions for Set II. One of the present authors is responsible for the mutilated forms of the other selections. A much more scientific and accurate instrument for measuring poetic discrimination is being developed by Prof. Allan Abbott and one of the present authors.
Although this test is very interesting and entertaining its reliability is not determined and its usefulness is as yet questionable. It certainly would have no great value in industrial life and only small importance in public school work; its chief service will be entertainment in the home and at social gatherings. It is surprising how poor the judgment of many people is regarding the quality of poetic products. It would be interesting at social affairs at which this test is used to make a tabulation of just how many of those present have selected each different version.
Directions for Giving the Test.
The examiner should distribute the examination booklets and writing materials with the following instruction: