THE CHILD MIND

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 83, 5 October 1933, Page 21

THE CHILD MIND

MORE U.S.A. ANALYSIS

Readers may remember tho occasion, when a Wellington psychologist declared that a certain popular typo or' entertainment was calculated to appeal to tho mental age of elevon, and the storm, of protest that the statement evoked. Something similar occurred recently in the United States when an educationist gave his opinion that tho mentality of tho average listener was that of a 13-year-old. The broadcasters were stirred up about this, and as thirteen is the threshold of tko high school age, some interest attaches, aocording to the "New York Times*' to a survey that was taken among 1000 high school students in New Jersey. They were; asked to name their favourite performer, and an analysis of the replies put comedians first, musicians second, crooners third (apparently even in America these are distinguished from musicians), and commontators on current, events fourth. The most eloquent item in the analysis is not the demonstration of' taste, or lack of it, in the pupils, but tho indication that is given of the value of the "fan mail," upon which American broadcasters—and also others —pin their faith as a guide to- what the people want. The students were asked if they had communicated with broadcasters, and why. Out of the 1000, 140 had; and theso were tho reasons:—■ Photograph, free sample, booklet, request numbers, jig-saw puzzles,' information, contests, praise, tickets to broadcasts, audition, autographs, distance verification, tooth, brush, and something free.