The contribution of operativity to naming capacity in aphasic patients

Abstract

Matched groups of anterior aphasics, posterior aphasics, and a control group of non-aphasic patients were given an extensive naming test in order to determine the contribution of a number of variables to naming facility. Of particular interest was whether those elements described by Piaget as operative—objects, parts of objects, and other entities which can be readily grasped, manipulated, and operated upon—were easier to name than those which can only be known in a figurative way. When word frequency was controlled for, it was found that elements which are relatively operative were more easily named than elements which are relatively figurative. The results are discussed in terms of the mechanisms which govern naming in aphasic and normal individuals.