20 MEMOIRS NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. [vol. xv. 



(f) These tests have been so systematically and expeditiously carried out and have been conducted with so little 

 interference with routine company and regimental duties that I heard not one word of criticism on this score. The 

 commanding general remarked to me that the time lost was neglible, and added that if the examination took 10 times 

 as long, he would still be in favor of it. 



(g) Regular psychological examinations began on October 8 ; up to November 10, 1, 182 officers and 22,226 men (white) 

 had been examined, more than 90 per cent of the white strength of the command, in numbers ranging from 1,083 to 

 6,633 each week. 



IV. RESULTS OP THE TESTS. 



6. Viewed from the standpoint of the purpose of the tests, the results may be outlined as follows: 



A. Identification of the mentally incompetent: 



(a) All men rated in the B and S classes have been carefully examined by Maj. Moore, consulting neurologist 

 at the base hospital. A complete report of these cases is not yet available, but it is reasonably certain that about one- 

 half of the E class and somewhat less of the S class will be found disqualified for military service; and it is probable 

 that further observation and longer service of these men will result in further discharges for disability. 



(6) It is recognized by both the psychologist and the psychiatrist that these tests do not discover certain not un - 

 co mm on neurotic types. To assist in bringing these cases to light Maj. Moore has circulated the following bulletin 

 among company officers: 



The personality traits named below are of such importance as to be indicative of possible underlying mental 

 conditions. Line officers are requested to refer to the psychiatrist recruits under their observation who exhibit them. 

 These traits are: Irritable jseclusive; sulky; depressed; shy; timid; overboisterous; sleepless; persistent violators of dis- 

 cipline; "queer sticks" (cranks); "goats" (butts of practical jokes); "boobs" (those who have difficulty in compre- 

 hending orders); dull; stupid; marked emotional reaction (such as vomiting and fainting at bayonet drill); peculiarities 

 of attitude, speech, or behavior sufficiently marked to attract attention of associates; those resentful of discipline; 

 suspicious; sleepwalkers; bed wetters; those persistently slovenly in dress; those who have difficulty in executing mus- 

 cular movements in setting-up exercises; those who are generally restless. 



B. Classification according to mental ability: 



(a) The testimony of unprejudiced officers is to the effect that in most instances the ratings given by the psycholo- 

 gist are confirmatory of the estimates found after frequent and intimate observation. The testimony of the division 

 surgeon lias already been quoted. Col. Rhoads had occasion recently to estimate the qualifications of about 30 officers 

 in his department. To assist him in this work, he called into conference Maj . Schmitter, Maj . Carter, and Maj . Williams. 

 The findings were closely in accord with the ratings as given by the psychologists. 



(6) I took occasion to interview certain line officers who had been furnished psychological ratings of their men. 

 There was a general agreement that these ratings corresponded in most instances with estimates previously formed as 

 to the mental capacity of the men. Those at the top of the list correspond closely with the noncommissioned officers, 

 company clerks, and other men of more than average ability, while at the bottom the list invariably showed many 

 of the indifferent, stupid, and intractable men of the company. 



(c) Maj. Carter, division sanitary inspector, who has had unusual opportunities to measure up the mental capacity 

 of medical officers of the camp, says: 



"Relative to my observations of the psychological tests, I wish to say that the ratings awarded to the men conform 

 very closely to my personal estimation of the men examined." 



(rf) Maj. Williams, M. R. C, assistant to the division surgeon, believes that with the assistance given by the psy- 

 chological tests "battalion and organization commanders can quicker give ratings and opinions on medical officers.'' 



(e) Maj. Schmitter, commanding the base hospital, is firmly convinced of the value of the test as an aid in sizing 

 up the capabilities of his men. He told me of a number of instances where the psychological scores gave an accurate 

 index as to practical worth. Nearly all of the 200-odd men in his detachment were new to him and their records un- 

 known. When the report of the psychological examiners came in he noticed that the man who had been given 

 the highest rating had been sidetracked in the assignments and had been detailed to some very insignificant duty. 

 He sent for this man, questioned him as to his previous training, and then placed him in a position of considerable 

 responsibility. The recruit immediately made good and fully justified Maj. Schmitter's faith in him and in the trust- 

 worthiness of the psychological rating. Some time previous to this occurrence Maj. Schmitter's attention had been 

 called to a young man of excellent appearance and address and apparently better educated than the ordinary soldier. 

 He decided to make him a corporal. Soon after this man got into serious trouble, left his post of duty, and involved 

 himself in all sorts of difficulties. When the psychological ratings came in it was found that his score was 81, 

 far below the noncommissioned-officer grade, and almost approaching the feeble-minded. Further acquaintance 

 with this man showed that, in Maj. Schmitter's words, he was an out-and-out "bonehead." 



C. Selection for responsible positions: 



(a) Observations in this line are illuminating, and although, with one exception noted in the last paragraph, 

 men have not been selected, so far as I know, for important jobs solely by reference to their psychological scores, many 

 instances have occured where men so selected were found to stand high on the psychological lists. A division order 

 was recently issued requiring each company to report its best 50 men and its poorest 50; in most instances the individuals 

 on these lists corresponded very closel) with the highest and lowest of the psychological scores. As one captain 

 expressed it, "We believe there must be something in these tests because they agree with our estimates of our men"; 



