In practice the Beta tests, reproduced in facsimile on pages [313] to 322 following, are given with the assistance of a blackboard chart on which the different tests are painted in white, so that the examiner can show them to the entire group before they see them on their examination papers. There are also required for giving the Beta tests a set of cardboard cubes for the examiner’s use in explaining Test 2, and a set of cardboard pieces cut to the shapes of the figures in Test 7, though of much larger size. The assistance of a demonstrator is also required.
Procedure.
It is most important that examination Beta be given in a genial manner. The subjects who take this examination sometimes sulk and refuse to work. E. and his assistants will find it necessary to fill out most of the headings for the men before the examination begins. The time required for this preparatory work may be used to advantage in making the men feel at ease. As the demonstration preparatory to each test requires some time, the “pencils up” command is omitted in examination Beta. The examiner’s platform should be so high that he can readily see whether or not the subjects are working. Great care should be taken to prevent the overanxious from beginning work before the command “Go.”
Seating conditions should be such that subjects cannot copy from one another and the rule that copying shall not be allowed should be enforced strictly. The blackboard should at all times be kept clean so that the visual conditions may be excellent and constant. The blackboard figures for Test 1 should be exposed when the subjects enter the examining room. As soon as a test has been demonstrated and the men have been told to go ahead, the blackboard should be covered and kept covered until time is called. It should not be turned to the next test until the men have been ordered to stop work on a given test. Care should be taken to have the physical conditions of examination reasonably uniform.
With the exception of the brief introductory statements and a few orders, instructions are to be given throughout by means of gestures instead of words. These gestures accompany the samples and demonstrations and should be animated and emphatic.
It is absolutely necessary that directions be followed closely and procedure kept uniform and definite. Variations of procedure are more likely to occur in Beta than in Alpha, and there is serious risk that if allowed they will lessen the value of results. E. should especially guard against using more or fewer gestures or words for one group than for another. Oral languages should be rigidly limited to the words and phrases given in the procedure for the different tests.
Whether the men get the idea of the test and enter into it with the proper spirit will depend chiefly on the skill with which the examiner, the demonstrator, and the orderlies carry out their respective parts. Examiner and demonstrator especially should be selected with the greatest care. An examiner who succeeds admirably in giving Alpha may prove to be entirely unadapted for Beta. Both examiner and demonstrator must be adept in the use of gesture language. In the selection of a demonstrator the Personnel Office should be consulted. One camp has had great success with a “window seller” as demonstrator. Actors should also be considered for the work. The orderlies should be able to keep the subjects at work without antagonizing them and to keep them encouraged without actually helping them.
The demonstrator should have the single task of doing before the group just what the group is later to do with the examination blanks. The blackboard is his Beta blank. Before examination Beta can be given satisfactorily the demonstrator must be letter perfect in his part. Both E. and demonstrator must be very careful to stand at the side of the blackboard in order not to hide the drawings.
As soon as the men of a group have been properly seated, pencils should be distributed and also examination blanks with Test 8 up. While this is being done E. should say “Here are some papers. You must not open them or turn them over until you are told to.” Holding up Beta blank, E. continues:
“In the place where it says name, write your name; print it if you can. (Pause.) Fill out the rest of the blank about your age, schooling, etc., as well as you can. If you have any trouble we will help you.” The instructions given under segregation may be used for filling out the Beta blank. E. should announce the group number and see that it as well as the other necessary information is supplied. Before the examination proceeds each paper should be inspected in order to make sure that it is satisfactorily completed.