On comparing the different groups, we find that in 1 and 2 there is a decided preference for a position somewhat less than half way between center and frame—more sharply marked for 1 than for 2. From 3 onward there is a decided preference for the mechanical arrangement, which would bring the larger strip nearer. Besides this, however, there are groups of variations, some very near the center, others approaching to symmetry. The maintenance of geometrical symmetry at a pretty constant ratio is to be noted; as also the presence of positions on the same side of the center as the fixed line. Before discussing the significance of these groups we may consider the results of Experiment II. (F. double line 80×10, V. single line 80×10) without giving complete lists.
We notice therein, first of all, the practical disappearance of the symmetrical choice; for F. 40-60, 60-80, 80-100, a tendency, decreasing, however, with distance from the center, to the mechanical arrangement; for F. 100-120, and all the rest, not one mechanical choice, and the positions confined almost entirely to the region 35-75. In some cases, however, the mechanical choice for (1) 40-80, (2) 60-80, was one of two, e.g., we have for (1) 20 and 138, for (3) 70 and 162; in the last two cases the mechanical being the second choice.
Now the reversals of the mechanical choice occur for Exp. I. in 1 and 2 (F. 40 and F. 80); that is, when the small fixed line is near the center, the larger variable is distant. For Exp. II. the reversals, which are much more marked, occur in all cases beyond F. 40, F. 60 and F. 80; that is, when the double constant line is far from the center, the single variable approaches. If the mechanical theory prevailed, we should have in Exp. I. the lines together in the center, and in Exp. II. both near the fringe.
From the individual testimony, based both on I. (a) and I. (b), it appears that subject M is perfectly uniform in mechanical choice when the fixed line is the small line—i.e. when it moves out, the larger is placed near the center; but when the conditions of mechanical choice would demand that, as the larger fixed line moves out, the small variable one should move out farther, he regularly chooses the reverse. Nevertheless, he insists that in just these cases he has a feeling of equilibrium.
A also takes the mechanical choice as the small fixed line goes farther from the center; but when the fixed line is large and leaves the center, he reverses the mechanical choice—evidently because it would take the small line too far out. As he says, 'he is always disturbed by too large a black space in the center.'
G almost always takes the mechanical choice;—in one whole set of experiments, in which the fixed line is the large line, he reverses regularly.
H takes for F. (80×10) the mechanical choice only for the positions F. 160 and F. 200—i.e., only when F. is very far from the center and he wishes V. (160×10) nearer. For F. (160×10) he makes six such choices out of ten, but for positions F. 160 and F. 200 he has V. 44, 65 and 20.
S takes for F. (160×10) at F. 120, V. 185 and-70; says of V. 185, which is also his choice for F. (160×10) at F. 80, 'I cannot go out further, because it is so hard to take in the whole field.' For F. (160×10) at F. 200, he has V. 130 and 60; says of V. 60, 'Very agreeable elements in connection with the relation of the two lines.'
C takes for F. (80×10) only one mechanical choice until it is at F. 120. Then always mechanical, i.e., nearer center; for F. (160×10) makes after the position F. 40 no mechanical choice, i.e., V. is nearer center.
It is evident from the above tables and individual cases that the reversals from the mechanical choice occur only when the mechanical choice would bring both lines in the center, or both near the edges, and the subjective testimony shows from what point of view this appears desirable. The subjects wish 'to take in the whole field,' they wish 'not to be disturbed by too large a black space in the center'; and when, in order to cover in some way the whole space, the small line is drawn in or the large one pushed out, they have, nevertheless, a feeling of equilibrium in spite of the reversal of mechanical balance.