Abstract
Sixteen undergraduates each solved eight anagrams. The typeface in which the anagrams were presented was varied between Ss, and letter moves until solution were varied within Ss. Problems presented in a familiar typeface were more quickly solved than problems presented in an unfamiliar typeface (p <.005). This effect was more pronounced for 3-move problems than for 1-move problems (p <.05). It was concluded that anagram solution involves a covert rearrangement of the anagram’s letters, and that this rearrangement has an imaginai element under partial control of the initial visual pattern of the anagram.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Dominowski, R. L. Anagram solving as a function of letter moves. Journal of Verbal Learning & Verbal Behavior, 1966, 5, 107–111.
Hunter, I. M. L. The solving of five-letter anagram problems. British Journal of Psychology, 1959, 50, 193–206.
Johnson, D. M. Solution of anagrams. Psychological Bulletin, 1966, 66, 371–385.
Mayzner, M. S., Tresselt, M. E., & Helbock, H. An exploratory study of mediational responses in anagram problem solving. Journal of Psychology, 1964, 57, 263–274.
Thorndike, E. L., & Lorge, I. The teacher’s word book of 30,000 words. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University, 1944.
Underwood, B. J. Experimental psychology. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1966.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Sponsored by Bruce Ekstrand, who takes full editorial responsibility for its contents.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Peterson, C. Anagram solution times as a function of initial visual pattern: Familiar vs unfamiliar typeface. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 3, 39–40 (1974). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03333386
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03333386