Testing Juvenile Mentality
REVIEWS AND CRITICISM. :Author: Norbert J. Melville. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1917. Pp. xi+142.
The broad, general title of this book is misleading. It is a manual of directions for giving the Binet tests according to the 1911 revision. In his introduction to the book Dr William Healy says, “For final diagnosis of the mentality of the individual, the Binet test score is simply one out of several main facts to be taken into consideration. Not even all mental abilities are represented in this system, to say nothing of their not being thoroughly tested at each age level, and many items of the physical background inevitably form part of the problem,” The author recognizes this fact when he refers to the use of the scale as a “first aid.” But other parts of the work are not consistent with this view. For instance: “Those who have been doing most work with such apparatus, as for example Drs. Healy, Witmer and others, are using it in supplementing the Binet-Simon scale (1911) as valid for subjects “up to ten years or so of age.” These workers would hardly agree that their work is the development of supplementary scales. The first part of the book contains abridged quotations from the published reports of Binet and Simon on “The Problem of Clinical Interpretation.” One striking statement is this: “The lack of attention, of character, of will, do not appear or scarcely so, in our tests of intelligence. In fact, in our examinations we have not found an inattentive child except among those of three or four years.” Again: “We have endeavored to perfect the procedure in the direct examination of the mental functions. For that purpose we make use of the new method, that of taking the level.” But: “The results of our examination have no value if deprived of all comment; they need to be interpreted.” The whole problem of the place of the Binet scale in clinical diagnosis is opened up by these quotations. What is it that is to be interpreted? The final score? If not it must be the results of the individual tests. How can one interpret these unless he has seen the performance? If attention and the other capabilities that go to make up “mentality” are not shown, what is there to interpret? “The voice is Jacob’s voice but the hands are the hands of Esau.” If another manual for giving the 1911 series of tests is needed, this one should fill the place. It is intended for workers in the Philadelphia schools and will probably find its chief use there. The 1911 revision is not the one most widely used by Binet workers, and that fact limits the field for a manual. It is another “uniform” and “standard” method.
The method is excellent. The directions are simple and clear. A new feature is the arrangement of the tests in series. “Tests which the majority of investigations thus far reported,” he says, “have shown to be most highly disgnostic in differentiating the mentally deficient from the normal, constitute the first or a series; those next in diagnostic value constitute the b series, etc. ? ? . Those tests which involve the use of similar materials or methods are arranged in the same series so that they will be given in sequence.” In the directions in regard to test order, Mr. Melville has his examiners begin with the Pictures, then give the a tests of the year just above that indicated by the results ?f the picture test, then proceed with the a tests in succession. This method ia of great value in saving time and orienting the examiner with regard to the limitations of his subject. After the a tests are completed, the b tests are taken UP in the same way, then the c, d, and e series in order.
One of the merits claimed for the Binet scale is that it can be applied in a very short time. Unless some definite procedure like Mr. Melville’s is followed, examiners usually find that it takes too long. If the sitting is not to occupy more than half an hour, some such time-saving device is necessary. The arrangement of tests in part II is very cleverly planned for the convenience of the examiner and the best presentation to the subject. The directions are printed on one page; the pictures or drawings are printed on the page opposite, so that the former can be turned in position for the examiner to read, while the subject is looking at the latter.
The score sheet may be kept out of the subject’s sight behind the book, eliminating the possible disturbance of the marking of the paper. The directions for scoring are very explicit. The attempt to reduce to a uniform standard the method of giving and scoring the tests, is highly commendable. It is doubtful if the personal equation can be eliminated and examiners be found who will score uniformly. Anyone who has had experience in training people to give and score the Binet tests, will realize that this is well nigh impossible. The practical outcome for clinical method, of a general, uniform procedure, is the securing of results that are comparable, and if Mr. Melville’s book accomplishes this, it is a very useful and valuable contribution. H. J. H.
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