Blum and Miller explore the question of whether or not elements of psychoanalytic theory can be tested with the usual experimental methods of psychology. Hypotheses concerning behavior related to 'oral character' were abstracted from the literature and were studied by means of teacher ratings, time sampling, sociometric devices, and experimental situations. The subjects were eight-year-old children. Orality was operationally defined as 'nonpurposive mouth movements recorded by observers'. Children were ranked on frequency of such movements and on variables relating to specific hypotheses about 'oral' behavior. The children in the study who had many nonpurposive mouth movements tended to be socially isolated and to show an extreme interest in food. The results also suggested that these children are low in their tolerance of boredom, have strong needs for approval, and are concerned about giving and receiving.