The Mental Test as a Psychological Method

Professor Terman compares the mental test and the psychological experiment, basing his comparison upon a questionary sent to twenty-two psychologists. The following differences were noted: "1. Tests are intended to throw light upon individual differences; the experiment, to establish general principles. 2. The test, in contrast to the experiment, is characterized by simplicity, or brevity, or less elaborateness, or the use of paper and pencil instead of apparatus. 3. The test has a practical aim, usually individual diagnosis and guidance; it has to do with technology rather than with science." Five correspondents point out the methodological identity of test and experiment. The main thesis of the paper is that the mental test and the psychological experiment are essentially alike, and this is shown by examining the alleged grounds of distinction: (1) Use of tests in individual psychology; (2) pencil and paper character; (3) omission of introspection; (4) exactness, verifiability of results, control of conditions, and possibilities of analysis; (5) practical vs. theoretical aim. An historical survey shows that the mental test and the psychological experiment have grown up together. The psychologists questioned voted that the test method compares well in importance with other accepted psychological methods. From Psych Bulletin 22:01:00163.