Glossary
Woodworth Personal Data Sheet
What is the Woodworth Personal Data Sheet?
The Woodworth Personal Data Sheet (WPDS) was an early self-report questionnaire developed by Robert S. Woodworth during World War I. It was intended to identify recruits who might be susceptible to what was then called shell shock.
What the historical record shows
The Smithsonian's surviving test record describes a form dated in pencil 1917 and issued by the Neuropsychiatric Service at Walter Reed Hospital. It contains about 125 yes-or-no questions aimed at men.
The museum notes that it was not administered to large numbers of soldiers.
Historical significance
The questionnaire is important as an early structured attempt to screen for emotional problems through personal responses. That helps explain its place in the history of personality assessment.
Limitations
The form's historical purpose, questions, and population do not establish validity for present-day diagnosis or for other populations.
Why it matters
The WPDS shows an early move toward structured personal questionnaires.