ticed, there is an improvement of memory with age, but in the high
school, in the "Costly Temper" test, there is a decline. This may not
indicate a real decline in ability to remember ideas, but a change in
attitude. The high school pupil probably acquires a habit of
remembering only significant facts. His memory is selective, while in
the earlier ages, the memory may be more parrot-like, one idea being
reproduced with about as much fidelity as another. This statement is
made not as a _fact_, but as a _probable_ explanation.

ROTE MEMORY

[Illustration: FIGURE IX--LOGICAL MEMORY--"A COSTLY TEMPER"]

=Object.= The object of the rote memory tests is to determine the pupil's
memory span for unrelated impressions--words that have no logical
relations with one another. Much school work makes demands upon this
ability. Therefore, the tests are of importance.

=Method.= There are two lists of words, _concrete_ and _abstract_, with
six groups in each list. The list of concrete words should be given
first, then the abstract. The procedure is to pronounce the first group,
_cat_, _tree_, _coat_, and then pause for the pupils to write these
three words. Then pronounce the next group, _mule_, _bird_, _cart_,
_glass_, and pause for the reproduction, and so on through the list.

[Illustration: FIGURE X--CONCRETE ROTE MEMORY]

Give the following instructions:

We wish to see how well you can remember words. I shall pronounce
first a group of three words. _After_ I have pronounced them, you
are to write them down. I shall then pronounce a group of four
words, then one of five words, and so continue with a longer group
each time. You must pay very close attention for I shall pronounce
a group but once. You are not required to write the words in their
order, but just as you recall them.

=Material.= The words for the test are given in the following lists:

_Concrete_ _Abstract_

1. cat, tree, coat 1. good, black, fast
2. mule, bird, cart, glass 2. clean, tall, round, hot
3. star, horse, dress, fence, man 3. long, wet, fierce, white, cold
4. fish, sun, head, door, shoe, 4. deep, soft, quick, dark, great,
block dead
5. train, mill, box, desk, oil, 5. sad, strong, hard, bright,
pup, bill fine, glad, plain
6. floor, car, pipe, bridge, hand, 6. sharp, late, sour, w