Idiot, imbecile, and moronDoll, E. A.
doi: 10.1037/h0056577pmid: N/A
A threefold criterion is necessary for diagnosis of feeble-mindedness, namely, social incompetence, intellectual incompetence, and developmental arrest. "Idiocy, imbecility, and moronity are not mere successive stages of a mental age continuum, but are different categories of a common condition differing qualitatively as well as quantitatively from each other." Analysis of the above criteria of feeble-mindedness leads to the conclusion that some confusion now existing in diagnosis of mental status will be cleared up by such an instrument as the Vineland social maturity scale.
Trade name hurdlesLongstaff, H. P.
doi: 10.1037/h0058378pmid: N/A
Ten best "names" tested for qualities of a good trade name and devised for a tooth powder were orally presented to a group of students. 113 different names or combinations of the original ten names or misspellings were reported. This study is in agreement with previous studies and indicates a need for carefully pretesting trade names.
The waiver of signature in personal reportsOlson, Willard C.
doi: 10.1037/h0056769pmid: N/A
The Woodworth-Mathews personal data sheet was filled out by two groups of college women under instructions both for anonymity and signature. Under initial conditions of no signature more symptoms are reported and the percentage frequencies are higher for items on general feelings of unreality, boredom, desire for escape and specific physical symptoms with a neurotic implication. Questions on likes, specific fears, and impulsions show no significant differences. A table of frequencies of response for each question and total score under both conditions is included.
Some characteristics of three tests used to predict clerical successCopeland, H. A.
doi: 10.1037/h0055207pmid: N/A
The Otis S-A test of mental ability, Minnesota clerical, O'Rourke clerical reasoning and clerical problems when administered under work limit and time limit show a strong influence of a speed factor. The speed factor is most pronounced for the Minnesota clerical test. Speed on this test correlates negligibly with the Otis S-A test administered under work limit condition. Intercorrelations among the various tests in this study and practical considerations seem to show particular advantage for the Otis S-A and the Minnesota clerical test. The possibilities of no scoring and using the number of attempts on the Minnesota clerical test as a valid score are considered.
Reader interests in various types of newspaper contentGerberich, J. R.; Thalheimer, J. A.
doi: 10.1037/h0054410pmid: N/A
A questionnaire was submitted to college students and adults on newspaper interests in certain sections of paper and in types of news stories. General news, comics, editorials and sports rank high in interest, while serial stories and art rank low. The news stories most preferred are travel and human interest. These are followed in descending order of preference by self-improvement, sports, politics, photographs, war, and education. The correlation in newspaper reading interests ranges between .50 to .90 for the various groups used in this study, although they differed in age and economic status. Correlations of interest between men and women range from .17 to .54.