The "Wells Clerical Test C" which we employed is divided into 6 parts (see fig. 56). A total score of 100 points was allowed for a perfect completion of all 6 tasks which composed the test. Each task was assigned a possible score of 18 points with the exception of number 5, to which 10 points were allowed. In any clerical work accuracy is of prime importance, hence it was given first place here. The scale of demerits adopted for mistakes and erasures is arbitrary and may be considered excessive. We followed essentially the methods used by Dr. Wells, who devised the blank and called it to our attention in connection with this investigation. Task No. 1 was composed of 20 constant increment additions. If completed without error, the score allowed was 18 points. For each mistake 6 points were deducted; three or more errors therefore meant a score of 0.2 Task No. 2 consisted of two problems in long division; the result was always a whole number. For correct results, 9 points were allowed with each problem; an incorrect result received no credit. In Task No. 3 a group of 10 four or five-figure numbers had to be arranged in order of size. Scores were allowed as follows: All correct, 18 points; one erasure, 15 points; two or more erasures, 12 points; two transposed, 6 points; more than two transposed or uncorrected, 0. Task No. 4,10 names were to be numbered in alphabetical order. The scores allowed were: All correct, 18; 1 erasure, 15; 2 or more erasures, 12; 2 names transposed, 6; more than 2 transposed, 0. Task No. 5 was the copying of 6 nine-place numbers. If all were copied correctly the score was 10; with 1 digit wrong or 2 transposed, 5; 2 digits wrong or 3 transposed, 0. In task No. 6, in which the subject was required to describe the location of a certain item and in the second part to locate certain items according to direction, a perfect record was scored 18 points; 1 mistake, 12 points; 2 mistakes, 6 points; 3 or more mistakes, 0 credit.

1In the normal series of 1917, there were only 61 records for time in the third trial. The cases omitted were those in which an abnormally long time had been required for the first and second trials. The subjects were somewhat discouraged and did not care to proceed with another trial, and furthermore an abnormally large amount of time had already been consumed with the measurement. In the normal tests of 1917 the maze was placed last with a part of the men, so that if the subject became discouraged in this task this feeling would not affect prominently results with subsequent measurements. The change to the last measurement in the program for the normal series of 1917 was first made with subject No. 35. Previous to that it had been given before the memory-saving, eye-reaction, and eye-movement tests. In the present research it could not well be the last test with each subject. It was unlikely, however, that this was of any particular importance, except in the case of Mon, who repeatedly failed to complete it perhaps because of an attitude formed at the first time, September 29, when he spent so long on it and still failed. This repeated failure in the maze worried the subject. He more than once remarked that everything was all right except the maze.

2A score of less than 0 was never given in any of the 6 tests of which the blank was composed, i. e., if a subject made more than 3 errors in one task, nothing on this account was deducted from the score in other parts of the test.

Table 189. - Squad A - Accuracy In Performing The Clerical Tasks

[Values given for total time in seconds, total number of points made, and number of points per min].

The result for the clerical tests with Squads A and B are given in tables 189 and 190. A subject's performance in filling out the blank is represented in the table by three values: (1), the total time required to fill out the blank to his own satisfaction; (2), the number of points which he received without reference to the time expended in performing the task; (3), the average number of points per minute. For illustration: On September 29 (see table 189) the total time required to fill out the blank ranged from 428 to 1,027 seconds (see Fre and Pec); the average for the 10 subjects was 686 seconds. The total number of points made ranged from 52 to 100 (see Kon and Bro); the average for the 10 men is 74.6. The average number of points per minute, which is a combination result for time and accuracy, ranges from 3.6 to 12.3 (Pec and Bro), with an average of 6.99. Bro made a particularly good showing; he completed the blank in a comparatively short time, without errors or erasures, hence his score is comparatively high. Two other subjects, Fre and Tom, were faster, but they made a number of errors, particularly the latter, and so reduced considerably what might be termed their "efficiency" result. Pec was slow, and somewhat inaccurate, hence his combination score for points per minute is small, being 3.6.

Table 190. - Squad B - Accuracy In Performing The Clerical Tasks

[Values Riven for total time in seconds, total number of points made, and number of points per min].

1No time record secured through mistake.

2Subject absent because of illness.