Abstract
Problem: These preliminary experiments are tried to analyse the processes and conditions of transformation of a habit, while most of the former investigations have concerned with the problem of habit-formation and in crease of its efficiency, we laid here stress on the porblem of habit-transforma tion or habit-breaking.
Method: The apparatus used in these experiments is constructed by a pendulum, an indicator attatched to it and a scale. Each subject is instructed to respond with a key in order to stop the indicator at the definite point of the scale, when it moves along the scale from the left to the right end of it. The speed of the indicator can be varied in ten different definite speeds, by changing the weight added to the head of the pendulum. The subjects are eight in number, of whom four the students, one the lecturer of psychology and three the patients of the Matsuzawa Insane Asylum, Tokio.
The experiments consist of four parts. In the first part each subject tries to stop the indicator which moves along the scale in one second. All the subjects, except two, repeat it 1000 times. The second part of the experiment is divided into four subgroups of experiment by four difierent conditions of the experiment, that is, by four different speeds of the indicator. In the third part of the experiment the speed of the indicator is varied in three different rates.
In the fourth part of the experiment of the speed of the indicator is varied in five definite rates. The rate of speed in every trial is selected at random.
Results: From the first part of the experimept. 1) The frequency, with which the subjects repeat to succeed, tends to grow gradually as the trials are repeated on. 2)The range of deviation from the definite point of the scale tends to diminish as the trials are repeated on. 3) The subjects device techniques of their own with which they try to succeed. These techniques are various according to the reactiontypes of the subject. 4) The range of deviation decreases and the technique with which the subjects try to succeed can be deviced under the two circumstances; a) The indicator moves at a definite speed (one second). b) The subjects know that the rate of speed is always constant.
From the second part of the experiment. 1) Each subject is unable to succeed if the indicator moves very fast. 2) Each subject tends to anticipate the rate of speed, especially when he does not know anything of it.
From the third and fourth part of the experiment. The anticipation of the speed takes a predominant part in proceeding the trials. It grows in general into two types, subjective and objective, according to the character of the subjects.
Conclusion: The conclusions from these experiments:
(1) The transformation of a habit takes place when a certain psychica, Ferd is constellated by certain subjective and objective conditions.
(2) To break a habit does not mean to destruct a habit, but to transform a habit by a new one.
