Classic Color-Word Stroop
Text Variant
What is this?
The original 1935 experiment by John Ridley Stroop. Participants must name the ink color of color words when the word and color conflict. This is the most widely studied and replicated paradigm in cognitive psychology, forming the foundation for all other Stroop variants.
What does it measure?
Basic cognitive interference between automatic reading and controlled color naming. The difference in reaction time between congruent trials (word and color match) and incongruent trials (word and color conflict) quantifies the strength of the Stroop interference effect.
How it works
- 1You will see color words (RED, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW) displayed in different ink colors.
- 2Your task is to name the INK COLOR, not read the word.
- 3For example, if you see "RED" in blue ink, the correct answer is blue.
- 4Respond as quickly and accurately as possible for each trial.
Fun fact
The Stroop Effect is so robust that it works across cultures, languages, and age groups, though the strength of the effect varies. It has been replicated thousands of times since its discovery in 1935, making it one of the most reliable findings in all of psychology.