The Marshmallow Experiment

What was the purpose of 'The Marshmallow Experiment'?

• To test children's ability to resist temptation

• To determine the effects of marshmallows

• To study the behavior of children

• To reward children with marshmallows

What did the researchers discover in subsequent follow-up studies?

• Children who succeeded in resisting the marshmallow were more successful.

• Children who failed in resisting the marshmallow were more successful.

According to the test, which trait is associated with future success?

• Ability to delay gratification

• Ability to resist temptation

• Ability to eat marshmallows

• Ability to wait for the researcher

Do you agree with the conclusion of the test?

• Yes, delaying gratification leads to future success.

• No, delaying gratification does not lead to future success.

• It is unclear whether delaying gratification leads to future success.

• The test does not provide enough evidence to support a conclusion.

How do you think the ability to delay gratification affects future success?

Did the experiment provide a comprehensive conclusion about all aspects of a child's character or future success?

• Yes, the experiment covered all aspects of a child's character.

• No, the experiment only focused on one specific trait.

• The experiment did not provide any conclusion.

Answer explanation

The experiment did not provide a comprehensive conclusion about all aspects of a child's character or future success, as it only focused on one specific trait. This means that other aspects of a child's character were not covered in the experiment, making it impossible to draw conclusions about their overall character or future success.

What are some potential design flaws of the Marshmallow Test?

• Sample Bias

• Lack of statistical analysis

• Cultural Bias

• Small Sample Size

• Insuffient funding

Answer explanation

Some design flaws and potential biases in the Marshmallow Test include:

• Sample Bias: The test may not have represented a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds, potentially skewing the results.

• Cultural Bias: The test may not have considered cultural differences in attitudes toward delayed gratification, leading to a biased conclusion.

• Small Sample Size: A relatively small sample size may not provide a robust basis for making broad conclusions about all children.

• External Factors: The test might not have accounted for external factors like the child's home environment, family support, or access to resources.

What other potential factors might contribute to a child's success?

• Their success is influenced by their social and economic background.

• Their success is solely determined by their ability to delay gratification.

• Their success is influenced by their attentiveness.

• Their success is influenced by their intelligence and talent.

What does the term 'sample bias' refer to?

• When a study has too many samples

• Using spoiled marshmallows

• Having a sample that doesn’t represent the broader population accurately

• When children are allergic to marshmallows

Why might cultural bias be a design flaw in the Marshmallow Test?

• Some cultures prioritize immediate rewards over future gains

• Attitudes toward delayed gratification might differ across cultures

• Marshmallows are not universally known

• Some cultures might not understand the instructions