Method. There are two lists of words, concrete and abstract, with six groups in each list. The list of concrete words should be given first, then the abstract. The procedure is to pronounce the first group, cat, tree, coat, and then pause for the pupils to write these three words. Then pronounce the next group, mule, bird, cart, glass, and pause for the reproduction, and so on through the list.
Figure X—Concrete Rote Memory
Give the following instructions:
We wish to see how well you can remember words. I shall pronounce first a group of three words. After I have pronounced them, you are to write them down. I shall then pronounce a group of four words, then one of five words, and so continue with a longer group each time. You must pay very close attention for I shall pronounce a group but once. You are not required to write the words in their order, but just as you recall them.
Material. The words for the test are given in the following lists:
| Concrete | Abstract |
|---|---|
| cat, tree, coat mule, bird, cart, glass star, horse, dress, fence, man fish, sun, head, door, shoe, block train, mill, box, desk, oil, pup, bill floor, car, pipe, bridge, hand, dirt, cow, crank | good, black, fast clean, tall, round, hot long, wet, fierce, white, cold deep, soft, quick, dark, great, dead sad, strong, hard, bright, fine, glad, plain sharp, late, sour, wide, rough, thick, red, tight |
- cat, tree, coat
- mule, bird, cart, glass
- star, horse, dress, fence, man
- fish, sun, head, door, shoe, block
- train, mill, box, desk, oil, pup, bill
- floor, car, pipe, bridge, hand, dirt, cow, crank
- good, black, fast
- clean, tall, round, hot
- long, wet, fierce, white, cold
- deep, soft, quick, dark, great, dead
- sad, strong, hard, bright, fine, glad, plain
- sharp, late, sour, wide, rough, thick, red, tight