Hello! The scab effect is the so-called cognitive dissonance that occurs when it is necessary to name the colors of words, the meaning of which does not fit the description at all. For example, if the word «blue» is written in green. In simple words, this is a pause that occurs due to the collision of the activities of the two hemispheres. The brain tries to process the information and choose the leading, correct type of thinking in a given situation. The left hemisphere, responsible for logic and data analysis, calmly reads exactly what is written. While the right one has to creatively adapt and still name the color of the word.
History of occurrence and essence
Initially, in 1883, the German psychologist Wilhelm Wundt proposed an experiment. James Cattell, later a student of Wundt, contributed to the development. But in 1935, psychologist John Ridley Stroop introduced the world to an improved version of the test. It is he who has come down to our days as the most popular and convenient. John also noticed that its frequent implementation has a positive effect on the cognitive sphere of a person. That is, what trains not only attentiveness, but also memory, thinking, speech.
By the way, children pass the Stroop test without any problems or hesitation. Because an adult engages in abstract thinking, using associations, which causes confusion in the frontal regions of the brain, which are precisely responsible for making decisions. The child, on the other hand, focuses on the factual information provided to him, without really thinking about the meaning of what he is reading.
Study procedure
Subjects are offered 3 types of cards:
- The names of the main natural colors (red, yellow, blue, green) are indicated in plain black font;
- In the same tones, only not words, but figures in the form of squares;
- And finally, the words printed in the wrong color.
Task
- Read the contents of the first card;
- Name the colors of the squares from the second.
- Go to the third card, first ignoring the written text, and then vice versa, the color of the font, reading the words themselves.
Of course, the last part of the task is the most difficult. But with constant training, it is quite possible to improve the quality of the results.
Interestingly, with the stable performance of this task, the human brain is rebuilt so much that it begins to perceive basically only the color palette. All attention is focused on it, ignoring the meaning of the text. But over time, the benefits of training become noticeable, as a person learns to switch much faster. Accordingly, it processes information better, using both hemispheres.
And this has a positive effect on other cognitive processes. Yes, in principle, and in life in general. A person learns to quickly make optimal decisions even in stressful situations. Look at the problem from different angles and at the same time see its essence. And also be critical of the information provided.
Scope of use
It is used not only as a simulator, but also helps to diagnose the presence of stress in a person. It is often even used to detect depressive conditions and Parkinson’s disease.
Difficulties in concentrating attention most often arise due to disorders in the emotional sphere. Which is quite logical, if a person is worried about something, she will be focused on her problem and internal experiences. Outside events recede into the background.
And even when trying to get involved in the performance of work, thoughts that are more priority at the moment will reduce the effectiveness of actions. Here, try experimenting on your own. Arm yourself with a stopwatch and write down the time it takes you to complete any set of multi-colored words that are incorrectly indicated. Then repeat the steps, only at the moment when you are tired or experiencing strong emotional experiences. The result will be significantly different.
And do you know what else he actively used this effect for? Previously, counterintelligence in America used this test to detect spies from the USSR. No matter how hard they tried to hide their true biography, portraying their lack of knowledge of the Russian language, the Stroop effect made itself felt, betraying the liars.
The research procedure has changed slightly. The text was written using the English alphabet, with one caveat — the words themselves were Russian. The Soviet spies unknowingly got the job done fairly quickly, especially compared to the suspected Americans, who didn’t understand the meaning of what was written on the sheet at all, naming only the colors provided.
Completion
By the way, the Stroop phenomenon can help in the workflow. If you know how to use it. For example, in advertising, an element that causes the need to pause and think can perfectly attract customers. At the very least, draw attention to yourself and be remembered. Graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister created a very interesting logo for Blue. Its unusualness is that the inscription «Blue», translated into Russian, is depicted in orange colors.
And that’s all for today, dear readers! Psychology is fraught with a lot of other effects, which you can learn about by subscribing to the blog. For example, the Halo effect, a very interesting effect that everyone has heard of, but few have thought about. Good luck and accomplishments!
The material was prepared by a psychologist, Gestalt therapist, Zhuravina Alina