Metaphors and Definitions in "Don't"

     In this scientific analysis of instant gratification in children, there are a surprising number of metaphors and very few amount of definitions.  In a scientific article one would think many definitions would be used because of the specific and troublesome words that are associated with science.  The author used few definitions and attempted to use more words that were relatable to a wide variety of an audience.  He uses just a few definitions like metacognition which is described as thinking about thinking.  Lehrer tends to use more metaphors like on page 48, "Others start kicking the desk, or tug on their pigtails, or stroke the marshmallow as if it were a tiny stuffed animal".  He also describes how he tells psychologists to think like mechanics.  These are just two of many metaphors in the article.  Lehrer uses these metaphors to relate to a younger audience.  This experiment is important for all ages, which is why Lehrer steers away from big and confusing ideas and sticks to metaphors and easy understanding sentences.