64 



MEMOIRS NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 



[Vol. XV, 



II. Methods and results. 



Since the last monthly report instructions have been issued for the modification of examination beta by the omission 

 of test S and elimination of weighting, and for the use of abbreviated forms of the three methods of individual examina- 

 tion. It is believed that the simplification of methods thus effected and the resulting economy of time should greatly 

 enhance the value of the psychological service by making possible a larger amount of attention to the new problems 

 constantly arising. 



Data on intelligence score distributions in certain army occupations have been received from 15 camps. It is 

 hoped that a digest of this material can be completed in time for the summary to go to the psychological staffs before 

 the next monthly report is issued. 



The suggestion in the last monthly report regarding the desirability of gathering data which would throw light 

 on the correlation between intelligence grade and value to the service is beginning to bring results. Attention is 

 invited to the report from Camp Kearny, which is summarized elsewhere in this report. Data along this and similar 

 lines should be collected in large amount in order to lay a solid foundation for the future development of the psy- 

 chological service. 



A number of letters from commanding officers have lately been received expressing appreciation of the aid rendered 

 by the psychological staffs. The following excerpt from a letter written by a camp commander to the chief psy- 

 chological examiner is typical : 



The psychological work done and being done by (naming chief examiner) in this camp has been consistently 

 good and has proved of much practical value. At first, due to the innate conservatism of line and even of medical 

 officers, his task was a rather uphill one; but now, largely due to his own energy and tact, and to the thoroughness 

 and honesty of Ms work, practically all officers have been convinced of its practical value and unique assistance in 

 rating, sorting and disposing of the divers kinds of men as well as officers who pass through such a camp * * * / 

 consider such an expert and his specialty among the most useful aids lately given the Army toward the scientific and non- 

 wasteful utilization of man power. 



The following statement made by Secretary Baker in an address before the School for Personnel Adjutants at 

 Camp Meigs will also be of interest: 



The rating scale (for officers) and the tests for mental alertness (psychological tests) are the application of a perfectly 

 rational method to the great problem of putting a man in the position where he can be of the most service to the country 

 and to the common cause. 



Such statements are very gratifying and should encourage us to bend every effort toward increasing the practical 

 value of the psychological work and toward enlarging its applications. 



In order to indicate the types of problem arising in the various camps and the ways in which these problems are 

 being met, a considerable part of this report has been devoted to summary notes from letters of chief psychological 

 examiners. 



III. Inspection of psychological service. 



Systematic inspection of the work of psychological staffs was initiated on August 29 when Maj. Yoakum and 

 Capt. Poster started on itineraries that include all stations where examining is in progress. In addition to inspection 

 of present work, investigations will also be made regarding the desirability of organizing psychological service at 

 certain new stations. It is planned to have inspections completed at as many camps as possible within the next six 

 weeks. 



The visit of the inspector should in numerous ways benefit the service. Inspectors will report concerning the 

 satisfactoriness of buildings, equipment, and personnel. Methods of examining, filing, and reporting grades will 

 be investigated. Inquiry will also be made concerning the use made of grades by personnel, medical, line, and staff 

 officers. The usefulness of psychologists in dealing with the problems centering about the development battalions 

 and other special military organizations will also be investigated. 



This new provision in military psychology should aid in coordinating the work of various psychological staffs. 

 Examiners are expected to cooperate with the inspector in every way by furnishing promptly and fully any information 

 or assistance required. 



IV. Examining for the month of July, 1918. 



1. Number of stations in which psychological examinations are being made: National Army camps, 16; National 

 Guard camps, 11 ; other stations, 4. Number of camps reporting, 28. 



2. Number of men examined: 



3. Number of men given individual examination, 12,623; total to date, 27,766. 



4. Number of examinations: alpha only, 184,084; beta only, 84,386; both alpha and beta, 19,724; individuals — 

 P. S., 2,145; S. B., 5,658: Pf., 5,102; total, 12,905. 



5. Number of E. grades: In alpha, 21,340; in beta, 21,289; in beta following, 2,094; in individual— P. S., 571; 

 S. B., 2,307; Pf., 2,070; total, 4,927. 



