Experimental Study of Associative Processes 29 
no higher qualification in the observer than a pair of eyes, 
The literature of animal psychology shows so uniformly and 
often so sadly the influence of the personal equation that 
any method which can partially eliminate it deserves a trial. 
Furthermore, although the associations formed are such 
as could not have been previously experienced or provided 
for by heredity, they are still not too remote from the ani- 
mal’s ordinary course of life. They mean simply the con- 
nection of a certain act with a certain situation and resultant 
pleasure, and this general type of association is found 
throughout the animal’s life normally. The muscular 
movements required are all such as might often be required 
of the animal. And yet it will be noted that the acts re- 
quired are nearly enough like the acts of the anecdotes to 
enable one to compare the results of experiment by this 
method with the work of the anecdote school. Finally, it 
may be noticed that the method lends itself readily to ex- 
periments on imitation. 
We may now start in with the description of the apparatus 
and of the behavior of the animals. 
DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS 
The shape and general apparatus of the boxes which were 
used for the cats is shown by the accompanying drawing of 
box K. Unless special figures are given, it should be under- 
stood that each box is approximately 20 inches Ic 
broad, by 12 high. Except where mention is n 
“contrary, the door was pulled open by a weight - 
1 The experiments now to be described were for the mo: 
Psychological Laboracory of Columbia University durin 
but a few of them we.e made in connection with a 
investigation of animal /psychology undertaken at H- 
the previous year. 
