Mentimeter No. 7
CHECKING IDENTITY OF NUMBERS
Character of the Test.
Bank tellers and other clerical workers find it necessary very frequently to compare signatures or numerical figures as to identity. A test might be arranged in which it was necessary for an individual to compare several sets of numbers all of the same length and general appearance. Such a test would, however, resolve itself very largely into a test of speed. The present form attempts to eliminate some of the speed element and to take to itself as much as possible of the quality of measuring the complexity which is necessary to cause an error in the recognition of identity. There are thirty numbers to be compared with another list of thirty in a parallel column. The first numbers have only two digits but the number of digits is increased fairly regularly until in the last pairs eleven digits in one column must be compared with the eleven digits in another.
This test is probably as useful a measure of ability to notice small details as it is necessary to make. The chief objection to it will come from individuals who are not gifted by nature with the ability to think in terms of numbers. This objection is not serious and will not be as valid even in their own cases as those who make it are inclined to believe. The test may be given as a group test if some means be provided for demonstrating before the entire group at one time just what type of activity is wanted. The directions given below are for giving the test as an individual examination, but with slight modifications the same directions will serve quite well for group examination. It is not necessary, of course, for the candidates to understand the English language if the examiner is thoroughly effective in his pantomimic instructions.
Directions for Giving the Test.
As soon as the proper record has been made of the age, the name, and location of the individual being examined, the examiner may turn the test leaflet and exhibit the two columns of numbers which appear on the other side. This exhibition should not be made formally and should last not more than twenty seconds. The pamphlet should then again be placed title page up in front of the candidate.
| 1ST COLUMN | 2ND COLUMN | SAME | DIFFERENT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 356 | 356 | ☐ | ☐ | A |
| 738 | 758 | ☐ | ☐ | B |
The examiner should then compare the identity of the numbers in the first example. The best way to do this would be to point first at the 3 in the first column then at the corresponding 3 in the second column, nodding his head, “Yes.” The same pointing from one column to the other should be done for 5 and for 6, the second column part of the pointing to be accompanied in each case by nodding the head, “Yes.” As a summary of this first example, the examiner may place his hand over the entire three digits of the first column and then transfer it to the entire three digits of the second column and nod his head, “Yes,” making merely a check mark (✓) on that horizontal line under the word, “same.” With the second example the same sort of pantomime may be used until 5 in the second column has been compared with 3 in the first column, which should be accompanied by a shaking of the head and the verbal exclamation, “No, no!” The summary by means of placing the hand over 738 and then over 758, with another, “No, no,” may be omitted if it is quite clear that the candidate has grasped the idea. In either case the examiner should make the check mark under the word “different.” The sheet may then be turned and the pencil handed to the candidate with the direction “Go ahead. Mark them all.” Exactly two minutes should be allowed after saying, “Go ahead.” At the end of two minutes the paper should be taken by the examiner and scored according to the following directions.
If the numbers in the second column correspond exactly with those on the same line in the first column, make a check mark in the square on that line under the word “Same.” If the second set on any line differs in any way from the first, check that line under the word “Different.”
| 1st COLUMN | 2nd COLUMN | SAME | DIFFERENT | LINE NO. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 96 | ☐ | ☐ | 1 |
| 83 | 88 | ☐ | ☐ | 2 |
| 77 | 71 | ☐ | ☐ | 3 |
| 33 | 35 | ☐ | ☐ | 4 |
| 82 | 82 | ☐ | ☐ | 5 |
| 641 | 644 | ☐ | ☐ | 6 |
| 956 | 956 | ☐ | ☐ | 7 |
| 507 | 507 | ☐ | ☐ | 8 |
| 9572 | 9752 | ☐ | ☐ | 9 |
| 1832 | 1832 | ☐ | ☐ | 10 |
| 19560 | 19360 | ☐ | ☐ | 11 |
| 94083 | 94083 | ☐ | ☐ | 12 |
| 940817 | 940847 | ☐ | ☐ | 13 |
| 329506 | 326506 | ☐ | ☐ | 14 |
| 654938 | 654938 | ☐ | ☐ | 15 |
| 6998701 | 6997801 | ☐ | ☐ | 16 |
| 7105923 | 7105623 | ☐ | ☐ | 17 |
| 2501036 | 2500136 | ☐ | ☐ | 18 |
| 3674462 | 3674462 | ☐ | ☐ | 19 |
| 61558543 | 61585543 | ☐ | ☐ | 20 |
| 38910066 | 39810066 | ☐ | ☐ | 21 |
| 17198591 | 17198591 | ☐ | ☐ | 22 |
| 685342017 | 685342017 | ☐ | ☐ | 23 |
| 317762849 | 317762849 | ☐ | ☐ | 24 |
| 102435867 | 102435867 | ☐ | ☐ | 25 |
| 3484657120 | 3484657210 | ☐ | ☐ | 26 |
| 4686726631 | 4686726631 | ☐ | ☐ | 27 |
| 6571018034 | 6571018034 | ☐ | ☐ | 28 |
| 38797625147 | 38797652147 | ☐ | ☐ | 29 |
| 26557239164 | 26557239164 | ☐ | ☐ | 30 |