Abstract
36 college students were assigned randomly either to take a short analogies test or to observe the test from the next room through a one-way vision mirror. A stooge was employed to get the observer to participate actively. The results indicate that individuals from whom no response was required and, therefore, no pressure or stress was involved, performed significantly better than individuals who were required to take the test, and who were told that the outcome would influence their school grade. This latter situation created at least mild stress and, since the subjects had no idea as to the purpose of the experiment, more closely simulated a true-life situation than previous studies in the literature.
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Tramontana, J., Morris, J.B. Problem-Solving Ability as Affected by Mild Stress Versus Minimal or No Stress. Psychol Rec 19, 295–300 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393851
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393851