The Army Alpha and Beta tests

The Army Alpha and Beta tests were standardized assessments developed during World War I to evaluate the intellectual abilities of military recruits. The Army Alpha, a written test, measured verbal reasoning, comprehension, and problem-solving skills for literate individuals. The Beta, designed for illiterate or non-English speakers, employed pictures, symbols, and puzzles to assess cognitive abilities without requiring reading or writing. These tests aimed to efficiently assign recruits to suitable roles and identify those needing further training, marking one of the first large-scale uses of standardized psychological testing in employment and military contexts.