Stanford marshmallow experiment

Stanford Marshmallow Experiment

The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment was a series of studies on delayed gratification in the late 1960s and early 1970s led by psychologist Walter Mischel, then a professor at Stanford University. In these studies, a child was offered a choice between one small but immediate reward, or two small rewards if they waited for a period of time. During this time, the researcher left the room for about 15 minutes and then returned. The reward was usually a marshmallow, but sometimes a cookie or a pretzel. The delay period was an opportunity to study at what age children develop self-control and how this willpower correlates with future success.

Procedure

In the experiment, children were led into a room, empty of distractions, where a treat of their choice (a marshmallow, cookie, or pretzel) was placed on a table. The researcher told each child that they could eat the treat, but if they waited for the researcher to return without eating it, they would receive a second treat. The researcher then left the room for approximately 15 minutes. The choice was thus to have a smaller reward immediately or a larger reward later. The researchers then observed the behavior of the child through a one-way mirror.

Findings

Mischel's experiments found that children who were able to wait longer for the preferred rewards tended to have better life outcomes, as measured by SAT scores, educational attainment, body mass index (BMI), and other life measures. The original study at Stanford has been followed up by several longitudinal studies, and the ability to delay gratification has been linked to a number of positive outcomes in adulthood.

Criticism and Replication

The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment has been subject to criticism and scrutiny over the years. Critics argue that the study's findings have been overstated and that subsequent replications have not always found the same strong correlations between delayed gratification and life success. Additionally, some researchers have pointed out that factors such as the child's social and economic background can influence their ability to delay gratification, suggesting that the experiment measures not just innate self-control but also the impact of environmental factors.

Legacy

Despite the criticisms, the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment remains a landmark study in psychology, particularly in the areas of developmental psychology, personality psychology, and social psychology. It has sparked numerous discussions and further research into the nature of willpower, self-control, and their development. The experiment is frequently referenced in both academic and popular discussions on the importance of delayed gratification and self-discipline.

See Also

• Delayed gratification
• Self-control
• Walter Mischel