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. |