The Consistency of Color Associations to Synonymous Words

Abstract

THIS STUDY tests the validity of one of the I underlying assumptions of the Beck Word-Color Association Test which assumes that color has meaning for the individual, and that different words associated with a given color are related in some way, particularly in terms of the sub- ? jects' attitude toward those things represented by the stimulus words. A previous study (1) has indicated that word-color associations remain constant for a period of at least one week. Although these associations may persist much longer than one week, the crucial time factor is the length of the testing time. In other words, if the color is to be the common denominator link ing the stimulus words together, it is important only that the meaning or feeling of the color remain stable during the testing period which is less than one hour. It is hypothesized that there is no significant difference in the number of associations of the same color to both words of a pair of synonyms, and those using a different color with each word of a pair of synonyms. In other words, if a sub ject associates a given color with a stimulus word because it has meaning for him, he should asso ciate the same color with a synonym of the original stimulus word. METHOD