The marshmallow test
Psychological research never looked so cute. Our friends at Idealog alerted us to this re-enactment of the infamous marshmallow test that was first done in the late 1960s.
To test self-discipline and delay gratification, four-year-olds were put in room alone with one marshmallow. They were told they could eat it now, but if they didn’t eat it and waited, they would get another marshmallow when the woman returned.
Oh, the agony.
The original test conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel at Stanford University went on to analyse the kids later in life.
The researchers then followed the progress of each child into adolescence, and demonstrated that those with the ability to wait were better adjusted and more dependable.
More analysis from a US professor here.
Put a grown-up in a room with an organic gluten-free marshmallow from Swiss Bliss and I guarantee self-discipline goes out the window.
What do you think?