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It would be well to consider the consequence of the mental investigation of children which takes place either in laboratories for experimental psychology, behaviour clinics, or at schools, where the teachers practise their own version of psycho-analysis, called variously psych-analysis, pedanalysis,
or simply new psychology, upon them, or even in the still more prevalent forms of child inquisition known as 'intelligence tests.'
These methods may be used by those who are skilled in their use and application, or by clumsy beginners, or again, by those who have never taken the trouble seriously to train for the intricate task; hundreds of children are subjected to this investigation entirely without consideration what results may follow or even whether it is possible that harmful results can arise. This paper points out that the consequences are in all probability harmful, giving reasons why this should be so, for the psychological well-being of the child, and it calls attention to the fact that it might be as well if some steps were taken to inquire into the amount of injury so caused, to rectify this when it has been found, and, if necessary or possible, to limit this investigation to those who are really qualified to carry it out.
Author's Abstract.