Final answer:
The problems with the tests that Yerkes developed included cultural bias, perpetuating racial discrimination, and an oversimplified view of intelligence that impacted assignments and treatment of minority and homosexual soldiers.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Robert Yerkes was in charge of testing for the U.S. Army, several problems emerged with the formation and administration of intelligence tests. Firstly, the Army Alpha and Beta tests, aimed at assessing the mental abilities of enlisted men, were seen as culturally biased due to the narrow scope of knowledge they assessed, which often did not consider the diverse backgrounds of the draftees. This led to a disproportionate classification of illiterate, non-English-speaking, and racial minority draftees as less intelligent and suitable for only the most menial tasks within the Army.
Furthermore, there was a lack of consideration for the social and psychological factors affecting soldiers' performance, as evidenced in the discriminatory practices and biased attitudes towards African Americans and homosexuals. For black soldiers, the tests and subsequent assignments often perpetuated the cycle of racial discrimination, while gay men and women had to hide their sexuality to avoid disqualification or worse treatment. These flawed approaches to personnel selection revealed underlying issues of discrimination and a narrow understanding of intelligence that did not translate well to military or societal needs.