Today, I wanted to take some time to show my love for kids. I usually enjoy experiments with kids involved because you never know what their imagination might lead them to say or do. An experiment done by a psychologist named Walter Mischel in 1972  tested delayed gratification in children with the use of delicious treats- marshmallows and pretzels. Just imagine how tempting this must be for a young child. The main goal was to associate the ability to delay gratification with success later in life. 

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo4WF3cSd9Q

In the Marshmallow Test Experiment, a series of trials were done. In the first experiment, approximately over 50 children were recruited from the Stanford University nursing school. Beforehand, Mischel as well as his other researchers spent some time with the kids so they could get familiar and comfortable with being around new people. From that point, children were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 different groups labeled A through E. After groups were assigned the kids were taken in separate rooms and first taught how to ring a bell to signal for an adult once they left the room. 

To start the first test off, groups A, B, and C were shown a marshmallow and a pretzel. They were asked to pick which snack was their favorite. Each child was then given the news that the experimenter would leave temporarily. Also the children learned that they could possibly get their preferred snack if they were patient enough to wait for the experimenter to come back without using the bell to signal the experimenter. The kids had the option of using the bell signal, however this would instead result in the child earning the snack he/she least favored. With all the information and instructions given, it was time for the experimenter to leave and both treats were left in front of the kids. After about 15 minutes, the children who waited received their preferred treat while the children who couldn’t wait earned their second option as a reward. 

You might be thinking.. “What happened to groups D and E”? Well, children in both of those groups were given no instructions and information like the other groups. Instead, they earned the right to play with toys if they waited 15 minutes. 

In the end, Walter Mischel learned the importance of the ability of waiting for gratification. It is an essential skill that forms early in everyone’s lives and can help with success in the future. 

Sources Used:

https://www.verywellmind.com/interesting-social-psychology-experiments-2795916

https://www.simplypsychology.org/marshmallow-test.html

Watch the video above to see a modern day marshmallow test with kids!