HABIT FORMATION AND FEELING QUALITIES 287 



The number of repetitions necessary to form a connection 

 between any two consecutive movements, could not, under the 

 conditions of the experiment, be determined with precision. 

 "Find the box" was the dominant problem in the beginning, but 

 with the growth of place-memory, it became possible to make 

 consecutive movements in due order without false movements 

 intervening. Some such experience must have occurred as a 

 basis for establishing the association. The introspective reports 

 show that several of the fifty-two mevements began to form asso- 

 ciative sequences, on the average for the eleven subjects, at the 

 eighth or ninth trial (M = 8".3 with M. V. = 1.6.). The imagery 

 for the boxes and the movements passes from a vague to a clear 

 definite form and then fades out, as a rule the imagery for the 

 boxes being the first to go. The duration of the imagery was 

 exceedingly variable. "It appeared only to vanish" is a favorite 

 characterization. 



Subject I at the 4P says : " A few boxes are losing their individuality, 

 some have never been known, and others have clear imagery but it is 

 difficult to hold." In the next period, 5P, he says " Imagery of some 

 of the boxes is fading out and delivery is becoming mechanical. In 

 many instances the movements are well known, but the card going 

 with the movement is vague." On the other hand there was no evidence 

 to show that every movement and its terminal box passed through a 

 definite stage of imagery. After eight to sixteen trials the subjects 

 without exception expressed surprise at the execution of correct move- 

 ments without conscious supervision. Subject A at the twelfth trial 

 finds that "boxes own- their places and that it would be annoying to 

 toss just any card into the box." Subject B at the fourteenth period 

 says: "There are no more long pauses, there is a general familiarity 

 with the movement. My hand remembers what my head forgets. 

 After I deliver one card it seems a guide to the next." G says 8P: 

 "I know some places are automatic, for I start toward them and be- 

 come conscious as I approach." 10D, "I found myself going to the 

 right box oftener than I had anticipated I could." 12D. "I notice 

 a bodily tilt toward certain boxes." J feels at the 22D, "the whole 

 body lurch in a definite direction and it proves to be right." E at the 

 8D says: "I believe that the directions are becoming automatic, for 



