And the man or woman that you need in any department of your business is that one whose mind works swiftly in the particular way required for your business.
How rapidly does your mind work? How fast do your thoughts come, compared to the average man in your field of activity?
How fast does your stenographer think? Your clerk? Your chauffeur?
Are they up to the average of those engaged in similar work? If not, you had best make a change.
Tests for Different Mental Traits
A large number of tests and mechanical devices, some of them most complicated, have been scientifically formulated or invented to measure the quickness of different kinds of mental operations in the individual.
One very simple test which we give merely to illustrate the principle is called the "Test of Uncontrolled Association." All the materials needed for this test are a stop-watch and a blank form containing numbered spaces for one hundred words.
Test of Uncontrolled Associations
Give these instructions to the person you are examining: "When I say 'Now!' I want you to start in with
some word, any one you like, and keep on saying words as fast as you can until you have given a hundred different words. You may give any words you like, but they must not be in sentences. I will tell you when to stop." You then start your stop-watch with the command "Now!" and write the words on the blank form as fast as they are spoken. Mere abbreviations or shorthand will suffice. When the hundredth word is reached, stop the watch and note the time.