英语听力文摘 English Digest 89、记不住人的名字

　　Yael: Hey Don, see that guy over there? I'm always forgetting his name!
Don: Oh, you mean Matt?
Y: Yeah, that's it! You know, it's really easy for me to remember some names, but others take a lot of work.
D: Don't feel bad. It might be because Matt's face doesn't go with his name.
Y: What? How can Matt's face not go with his name? They're both his!
D: Well, psychologists at Miami University of Ohio conducted experiments showing a correlation¹ between specific facial features and names. In one experiment, the researchers randomly² presented participants with a name like Bob, Joe, or Dan, and then asked them to use computer software to draw a picture of someone likely to have this name.
Y: And?
D: The pictures had some striking³ similarities that depended on the name. For instance, the name "Bob" led most people to draw someone with a rounder face, while the name "Tim" triggered⁴ more sketches⁵ with longer, thinner features. The study only used common men's names, though, so it's too early to tell how these findings might apply to women's names, or unusual ones.
Y: Well, that's kind of interesting, but what does it have to do with remembering?
D: In another experiment, the participants were shown a series of photos labeled with a name. They were able to learn--and retain--a name much more quickly when the names "fit" their expectations of what a "Bob" or a "Tim" should look like.
Y: So, it's easier to remember someone's name if it's a good match to their face?
D: Exactly. Some names just fit better.
Y: So, how come you remembered Matt's name?
D: Oh him. He's my brother.
correlation:相互的关系
randomly:随即地
sketch:素描
label:标记

1 correlation   

n.相互关系，相关，关连

参考例句：

• The second group of measurements had a high correlation with the first.第二组测量数据与第一组高度相关。
• A high correlation exists in America between education and economic position.教育和经济地位在美国有极密切的关系。

2 randomly   

adv.随便地，未加计划地

参考例句：

• Within the hot gas chamber, molecules are moving randomly in all directions. 在灼热的气体燃烧室内，分子在各个方向上作无规运动。 来自辞典例句
• Transformed cells are loosely attached, rounded and randomly oriented. 转化细胞则不大贴壁、圆缩并呈杂乱分布。 来自辞典例句

3 striking   

adj.显著的，惹人注目的，容貌出众的

参考例句：

• There is a striking difference between Jane and Mary.简和玛丽之间有显著的差异。
• What is immediately striking is how resourceful the children are.最令人注目的是孩子们的机智聪明。

4 triggered   

触发的

参考例句：

• An indiscreet remark triggered off a long and costly strike. 一次轻率的讲话导致长时间、代价高昂的罢工。
• The incident triggered an armed clash. 这起事件触发了一场武装冲突。

5 sketches   

n.草图( sketch的名词复数 )；素描；速写；梗概

参考例句：

• The artist is making sketches for his next painting. 画家正为他的下一幅作品画素描。
• You have to admit that these sketches are true to life. 你得承认这些素描很逼真。 来自《简明英汉词典》