The purpose of the Mental Measurements Yearbook (MMY) is to provide the public with information about commercially available and printed tests. It is important for teachers and professionals in the education field to know important facts about tests that are used in schools and other settings today. The MMY is a family business, a “mom and pop” sort of operation. Oscar Krisen Buros was the founding editor, publisher and creator of the MMY. When he passed away in 1977, Luella Buros continued the publishing duties of the MMY. The Buros Institute of Mental Measurements of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the current publisher. It is usually published every year, although there are a few gaps in sequence.

The reviewers are professionals who volunteer to share their knowledge and expertise in the review process. These reviewers should have specific knowledge in the area of testing that they are reviewing. Reviewers are chosen carefully and should represent their area of expertise successfully. These people should work in an establishment where these tests might be given. For example universities, public schools and community agencies are places in which tests are administered.

Tests are selected with certain criteria. There should be at least a minimal amount of information available about the development of the test. This is a new requirement established in the 14th edition of the MMY. Tests considered for review have to be submitted in a timely manner for the review process to be completed.

This article provides an insight into the various views and outlooks people had in regards to progress. As Arnold Pacey states, it is important when studying the history of technology to know what people believed about progress, and whether they related in any way to the development of technology.(course reader, 33) In many instances, however, Christians in Europe turned to the Bible in order to explain and understand the concept of progress. For many people they based their view of human destiny of the Apocalypse, which was concerned with the notion of the end of the world. This belief therefore, created little thought or consideration in terms of progress and technological development for many people living in Europe during the 13th century. (course reader, 33) Although there was little emphasis placed on progress, what was then the significant of new technologies and techniques being developed into society by cathedral builders and textile workers.(course reader, 33)

Another important aspect of this article is the beliefs and views of Franciscan friar Roger Bacon, a 13th century writer. Bacon also shared the same views of world, and felt that its end would soon approach, however, had a devoted interest to technological innovation. Bacon, just as cathedral and textile workers believed that “the extension of knowledge was necessary in successfully resisting the corruption that was coming, which would precede the end of the world.” (course reader, 33)