Though April 1 is still some time away, we are informed that 'university students with old-fashioned names such as Doris or Norman do better in their examinations than those with more ''attractive' names such as Alison or John'. According to The Times social affairs correspondent, Alexandra Frean, research by psychologist Philip Erwin has shown that: 'Those with unpopular names could expect to achieve marks on average 3 per cent higher than those with fashionable names. In a university degree it could mean the difference between a 2:1 and 2:2, or a 2:1 and a First.' Unattractive names singled out for special mention include Doris, Ethel, Agnes, Pauline and Gillian, and attractive ones, Emma, Charlotte, Sarah and Alison. The former group, in the case of men, includes Amos and Harold, and the latter, Stephen and Andrew.
Dr Erwin's findings apparently show that people with old-fashioned names learn to adapt to the extra attention their name brings, making them more resourceful. 'It toughens them up and spurs them on to higher levels of achievement than might otherwise be the case.' 1
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Optician Online. Register now to access up to 10 news and opinion articles a month.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here
