Brown & Lenneberg · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · 1954

A Study in
Language & Cognition

Brown and Lenneberg proposed that colors with short, agreed-upon names — focal colors — are more cognitively available than colors requiring phrases or hesitation. Their key finding: ease of naming predicts ease of recognition.

This replication has two parts. First, you will name 12 colors. Then you will attempt to recognise a subset of them after a delay.

Your anonymous responses will be compiled and used for in-class discussion.

Part I
Colour Naming
Name 12 colours. Response time is recorded.
Part II
Memory & Recognition
See 4 colours briefly, then find them after a delay.