What is it about?

We tested the relation between metaphoric thinking and physiognomic perception in young children (ages 4-7) in 2 studies. Physiognomic perception was assessed using M.A. Wallach and N. Kogan's (1965) Free Description of Stick Figures, and metaphoric thinking was assessed using the Kogan, Connor, Gross, and Fava (1980) Metaphoric Triads Task (MTr). Physiognomic perception scores were a good predictor of metaphoric thinking. Whereas a marked decrement in performance on the MTF was found on making the transition to Grade 1, the free-description test of physiognomic perception revealed that the children still retained high physiognomic abilities. We suggest that physiognomic competence is related to sensitivity to pressures to be "literal" in Grade 1.

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Perspectives

In this paper, we looked at the intrinsic relationship between physiognomic perception and metaphoric thinking. Drawing inspiration from Heinz Werner's analysis of this relationship, we presented some interesting data, suggesting yet another example of a U-shaped function in cognitive development.

Professor Joseph Glicksohn
Bar-Ilan University

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This page is a summary of: Physiognomic Perception and metaphoric Thinking in Young Children, Metaphor and Symbol, September 1998, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1207/s15327868ms1303_2.
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