Effect of Model's Method of Solution on Observer's Solution of Anagrams

Abstract

Female college subjects ( n = 80) observed a female confederate solve 15 five-letter anagrams which permitted either an order (32145) or a category solution (nature). Subjects were then tested on 10 anagrams which permitted only one of the solutions. Combinations of observed solutions and tests formed four conditions: Order—Order, Nature—Order, Nature—Nature, and Order—Nature. Subjects in the Order—Order condition solved the test anagrams significantly faster than subjects in the Nature—Order condition and subjects in the Nature—Nature condition solved significantly faster than subjects in the Order—Nature condition. The results suggest that observers may covertly imitate the model and acquire a method of solution that interferes with their subsequent performance.