Colors/colors

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Colors, Colors? Lesson
This lesson was developed by Ms. Susan Songstad (Kellogg Middle School; Shoreline, WA)
Do the Stroop Test!

This lesson is based on an experiment that can be found at: http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/words.html.
If you have a color printer, you can print out a colored "Stroop Effect Tester" here.
If you do not have a color printer, you can make your own "Stroop Effect" tester by coloring in the words using this diagram or use the on-line version that will keep track of your time automatically.

Questions:

How do words influence what we see?
How does the brain handle "mixed messages"?

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Procedure and Materials

First, choose one of the above questions to address and make a prediction/hypothesis based on what you currently know about "mixed messages".
Second, attempt the activity (go to : http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/words.html) five separate times. Print out a copy of this lesson including the data chart (just click on the "print" button of your browser. You may want to change the margins in the "print setup"). Using the data chart, keep track where you mix up the words and colors or have trouble reading the colors.
Next, analyze your data by answering the following questions or make up one to four of your own questions. Which words tend to trip you up? Was it the same word every time? Did the color of the word make a difference? Did it get easier or harder each time?
Finally, write a statement of conclusion that is based on the analysis of your data. This is where you will attempt to answer the original question and discuss your prediction.

Prediction

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Data Table
Write in 4 questions or observations you will be looking for during the activity.	Question 1	Question 2	Question 3	Question 4
Trial Number 1	Observation 1:	Observation 2:	Observation 3:	Observation 4:
2	Observation 1:	Observation 2:	Observation 3:	Observation 4:
3	Observation 1:	Observation 2:	Observation 3:	Observation 4:
4	Observation 1:	Observation 2:	Observation 3:	Observation 4:
5	Observation 1:	Observation 2:	Observation 3:	Observation 4:

Analysis

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Statement of Conclusion

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http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/neurok.html