PSYC 191 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Walter Mischel, Delayed Gratification, Self-Control
26 Oct 2016
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Walter mischel, stanford university, series of studies on the development of self- control in the 1960s and 1970s. Self- control: the ability to control one"s emotions, behavior and desires in order to obtain some reward or avoid some punishment. Mischel interested in a child"s ability/ willingness to delay immediately available but less preferred gratifications for the of a more preferred but delayed gratification. The ability to delay gratification increases with the development of cognition. Participants were preschoolers from bing nursery school of stanford. Preschoolers sat alone in a room furnished with one small desk. Marshmallow placed on desk, told that they could eat the marshmallow right away by ringing bell, or wait a few minutes and get two marshmallows. Group 2: the majority waited an average of less than 3 mins to eat the marshmallow. Group 3: some kids distracted themselves and waited for the full 15 minutes.
