Stroop Effect
The Stroop Effect has been widely researched. It explains how a cognitive process might interfere with another cognitive process (MacLeod, 1991). This effect works because associations already made in the brain inhibit recall abilities for new associations (Stroop, 1935). The Stroop Effect is relevant because it can explain what cognitive processes are automatic compared to controlled processes. An automatic process is naturally fast and does not need conscious attention to be accomplished, and controlled processes are slower and do require cognitive attention (Cohen, 1990). Some cognitive processing functions require more energy and application than other processing functions (MacLeod, 1991). This could be beneficial knowledge in improving
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In this experiment, the automatic process of reading the color of the word interferes with stating the color of the ink used to present the word (Cohen, 1990). While the previously mentioned experiment is most common, there are other ways to test and study the Stroop Effect. An experiment done by Constantine and colleagues used pictures and fear response to test the Stroop Effect. This experiment tested how the automatic process of a fear response can interfere with a controlled cognition, such as color identification, by presenting pictures of snakes, bunnies, and cows (Constantine et al, 2001). The snakes were used to elicit a negative emotional response, the bunnies were used to elicit a positive emotional response, and cows were used as a neutral control stimulus (Constantine et al, 2001). Stroop Effect experiments typically test for reaction times to words or pictures to conclude if the data suggests there is interference (Lindsay & Jacoby, 1994). There has been some debate to determine if it is more accurate to collect data from reaction time instead of the accuracy of answers from participants. In one experiment, researchers measured the Stroop …show more content…
The results from the experiment suggest that the response time was indeed slower when there is interference in cognitive processes. In general, the participants’ response time was slower for the interference presentation than their response time for the control presentation. Knowledge of how interference works in the human brain can lead to better teaching techniques and can be used in several areas of business, such as
In this experiment, the automatic process of reading the color of the word interferes with stating the color of the ink used to present the word (Cohen, 1990). While the previously mentioned experiment is most common, there are other ways to test and study the Stroop Effect. An experiment done by Constantine and colleagues used pictures and fear response to test the Stroop Effect. This experiment tested how the automatic process of a fear response can interfere with a controlled cognition, such as color identification, by presenting pictures of snakes, bunnies, and cows (Constantine et al, 2001). The snakes were used to elicit a negative emotional response, the bunnies were used to elicit a positive emotional response, and cows were used as a neutral control stimulus (Constantine et al, 2001). Stroop Effect experiments typically test for reaction times to words or pictures to conclude if the data suggests there is interference (Lindsay & Jacoby, 1994). There has been some debate to determine if it is more accurate to collect data from reaction time instead of the accuracy of answers from participants. In one experiment, researchers measured the Stroop …show more content…
The results from the experiment suggest that the response time was indeed slower when there is interference in cognitive processes. In general, the participants’ response time was slower for the interference presentation than their response time for the control presentation. Knowledge of how interference works in the human brain can lead to better teaching techniques and can be used in several areas of business, such as