How do words influence what we see (or say we see)?

Name the colors of these words. Do NOT read what the words say, but rather say the color of each word. For example, for the word GREEN, you should say "RED" as fast as possible. It is not as easy as it seems!

BLUE	WHITE	BROWN	GREEN
PURPLE	RED	YELLOW	BLACK
ORANGE	PINK	TAN	GREY

This experiment demonstrates the "Stroop Effect," named after J. Ridley Stroop in the 1930's . The words themselves have a strong influence over your ability to say the color. The interference between the different information (what the words say and the color of the words) your brain receives causes a problem.

There are two theories that may explain the Stroop effect:

1. Speed of Processing Theory: the interference occurs because words are read faster than colors are named.
2. Selective Attention Theory: the interference occurs because naming colors requires more attention than reading words.

This puzzle may be easier for a very young child than for older children or adults. Try this out on some small kids who know their colors, but cannot yet read! This puzzle may not confuse them because the words would not have any meaning to them.

More "Stroop Effect" experiments to try:

• Turn the words upside down or rotate them 90º
• Turn the words "inside out"
• Use non-color words such as "dog" or "house"
• Use nonsense words such as "kiw" or "thoz"

From Neuroscience for Kids Brain Games

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Try these other quizzes!

• How fast do nerve impulses travel through your brain?
• Neural Word Search Puzzle