Abstract
The performance of first- and second-grade Ss was analyzed on eight con nota five-denotative discrimination problems and seven conservation-of-weight problems, each of which represented physical dimensions that are highly correlated on the semantic differential potency factor. The results indicated that Ss who made correct denotative discriminations performed significantly better on the conservation of weight problems than Ss who were unable to discriminate connotative from denotative meaning. The ability to make correct denotative discriminations is acquired prior to weight conservation and is perhaps a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for conservation of weight.
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A shorter version of this paper was read at AERA Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, California, 1969. The research was supported by the Minnemast Project and the Center for Research in Human Learning at the University of Minnesota. The cooperation of Mrs. Genevieve Nelson, the faculty, and students of St. Anthony Park School, St. Paul, Minn., was greatly appreciated.
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Nummedal, S.G., Murray, F.B. Semantic factors in conservation of weight. Psychon Sci 16, 323–324 (1969). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332713
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03332713