The Ability to Name Functions for Common Objects

SUMMARY1. A method for testing the ability to name functions for objects is introduced and some of the problems connected with the procedure chosen are discussed.2. Two groups of subjects are used to investigate the relationship between ability to list functions for a newspaper by the present method, and general mental abilities as measured by Raven's Progressive Matrices and a Norwegian group-test, the Mønnesland test. In both groups are found statistically significant differences between mean number of functions listed in sub-groups on different levels of “general intelligence”. The higher the score on the tests of general mental abilities, the greater the number of functions listed.3. The results of a third group of subjects, having been asked to list functions for two different objects, a newspaper and a length of string, are reported. The rank correlation between the two sets of scores,.88, was taken as an indication of a general ability to name functions for objects. It is, however, maintained that further research has to be done before any definite conclusion can be drawn.4. Finally, the writer makes some speculative comments on the results, pointing to the possible influence of temperamental and motivational factors.