The famous study known as the marshmallow experiment was designed to explore the concept of delayed gratification and self-control in children. Conducted by psychologist Walter Mischel in the 1960s and 1970s, the experiment involved giving preschool-aged children a choice between one immediate reward (a marshmallow) and a larger reward (two marshmallows) if they could wait for a specified period (around 15 minutes) without eating the first marshmallow.
The experiment aimed to understand how self-control and the ability to delay gratification could predict future outcomes in various life aspects, including academic success, social competence, and overall well-being. Results indicated that children who were able to wait longer tended to have better life outcomes later on, leading to further research on the importance of self-regulation and its implications for psychology, education, and child development.
8 answers