Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Rotary phone dialing: a psychology experiment ( No Answer,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: Rotary phone dialing: a psychology experiment
Category: Science > Social Sciences
Asked by: pigsqueak-ga
List Price: $10.00
Posted: 17 Feb 2005 02:48 PST
Expires: 19 Mar 2005 02:48 PST
Question ID: 475890
I'm looking for a reference or link to the following experiment...

This was probably conducted back in the days when everyone was
familiar with rotary phones.  The subject is asked to visualize the
process of dialing numbers on a rotary phone.  Then they are asked to
draw a picture of the phone's dial, labeling the numbers and letters
accordingly.  Almost always, the subjects will draw little circles for
the fingerholes; inside these circles, they write the numerals and
letters (for example 2-ABC, 3-DEF, etc...).

However, if you look at an actual rotary phone
(http://www.fotosearch.de/comp/phd/PHD176/SS18012.jpg), you will see
that the numerals and letters are actually *outside* their
corresponding fingerholes.  Even though it is an everyday object, very
few people are able to remember this detail.  The purpose of the
experiment was to show something about how people associate the
physical action (placement of the fingerhole) with the associated
concepts (the numbers).

I'm certain that I've heard of this experiment, but I can't find the
reference.  Ten bucks and a hearty congratulations go to whoever can
point me to it.

Clarification of Question by pigsqueak-ga on 20 Feb 2005 09:54 PST
Regarding the comment from Owain (thanks for the link, btw; that was
neat): perhaps the experiment involved subjects first using one of
these telephones with the exterior lettering outside fingerplate, and
then being asked to draw a picture of the dial from recollection of
the recent experience.

Anyway, I thought it was a fascinating result, and I hope someone can
find the evidence for me.
Answer  
There is no answer at this time.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Rotary phone dialing: a psychology experiment
From: owain-ga on 19 Feb 2005 07:44 PST
 
Whether the lettering on dials is within the area covered by the
fingerplate or around the circumference varies from country to country
and between dial types. Most British dials have numbers/letters within
the fingerplate area.
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/freshwater/dials/dialfile.html#lettering

Owain

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy