Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 May 1918 — Activity of Psychologists [ARTICLE]

Activity of Psychologists

One of the Youngest of Sciences Is of Especial Aid to the Government

1 "*" . l*sychology, one of the youngest of the sciences, but nevertheless one equipped with standardized, methods of experimental procedure, is steadily answering the call to the colors. Eminent scientists from almost every field of knowledge have been summoned to give expert advice or to render continuous service as commissioned officers in the tinny. So heavy has been the levy that several of the Eastern universities have been compelled to cancel all their courses in psychology; other Institutions are offering only a bare minimum ot courses. The University of Illinois has been more fortunate in this respect. While several of its psychologists have been called away, the work of the department is pursuing a nearly normal course. Capt. Madison Bentley of the department of psychology has forjsojjie time been president of the Cleveland aviation board. His work consists mainly in selecting aviators and examining them for color blindness, certain spatial perceptions, dizziness and general mental capacity. Prof. G. M. Whipple has also been asked to assist in formulating suitable mental tests for the selection of drafted men and for men in special lines of training. • In addition to the recognition of necessary abilities for the service, problems concerned with’’the localization of sounds in the air, discrimination of projectiles by sound, and the effects of high altitudes upon the memory are being worked out. Prof. Christian Ruckinick. also of the University of Illinois, is serving upon the committee for localization of sounds coming from any point in the air, under water or in the ground. Since few people have a sensitive ear to determine the position of an enemy gun by noting the sound of the projectile in its course, apparatus is being worked out for such detection. -Work in the cantonments consists in the apprehending of mental defectives ' and in noting special aptitudes of the men. In this way much waste of time and money for special training can be eliminated. Psychological problems of Incapacity, shell-shock and re-education occupy the attention of another committee, and collaborating with them is a group of psychologists who are studying problems of vocational guidance a'nd advice. Still another group has already done important work in determining and devising means to arouse emo-, tions which result In maximum service from the men. • •