U N IV E R S IT Y O F O R EG O N
M ONTHLY
VOL. X I
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JA N U A R Y , 1 9 0 S
NO. 4
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SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF
EXAMINATION
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This paper is intended briefly to set forth a few of the
principles which underlie examinations by. giving some of the
reflex results of examination upon teaching and upon the
pupil.
At ; the outset the relation of examinations to education
should be understood once for. all. For-the most part serious
mistakes can he avoided by ascertaining and keeping in mind
the real purpose for which examinations are given throughout
a course of instruction.
This relation and^ purpose can best b.e understood by
getting a comprehensive insight into man’s universal method
of doing, things, ,, Indirectness characterizes.it throughout.
The history qf the progress of the race is ope grand chronicle,
of man’s ingenipus devices wrought as. a means to an end.
And nations which are aggregates of individuals have their
ideals which they must, and do attain in an indirect manner.
One of the means that modern nations' recognize as wholly'
legitimate, noble and effectual is education. But as.these
countries vary in their economical, social, and industrial condi
tion and in their relative strengths and needs, education must
for each give a slightly different service. So that in the emula
tion of nations education acquires diverse meanings as.it tries