Exams

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30302, 30 November 1963, Page 3

Exams

Examinations are probably more terrifying in France than anywhere: the steep road from the Lycees right up to the Inspection des Finances is littered with examination casualties. So it's hardly surprising that France invented the science of “docimology”—the study of examinations. A new book about it has just come out, by Henri Pierrxn, who invented the word and who used to be head of the Paris institute of “Professional Orientation." Its findings—as one might hope—are devastating. Pieron shows how examiners can’t agree between themselves and how they don't really know v.b.at they want to find out—whether it’s what the candidate knows, or what mental equipment he has, or what he is suited for. Pieron suggests that examinations should be replaced by questionnaires <to test knowledge) and aptitude tests (to test suitability for jobs). It’s unlikely that the ancient Paris colleges will take his advice: but he may undermine some of the examiners’ smugness.—Pendennis.