a timed test
developed during
World War I (1914-1918) and used by the United
States Army in
testing recruits for
general intelligence and
ability. The Army Alpha was designed to test
literate recruits while other tests were
given to those who could not
read and write. The Alpha contained eight sections that tested a person on such areas as arithmetic and
practical judgment, as well as on his
understanding of
language, solving disarranged sentences, etc. The test was graded on a numbering system and, for
practical reasons, a person also received a letter
grade. For
example, if one scored between 135 and 212 (the highest
score possible), he received an "A"
grade and was considered "very superior." The next
level down, 105 to 134, received a "B," etc.