An evaluation into the effect of colour on performance of cognitive tests
Authors
Hoffmann, Veronika
Issue Date
2007
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to investigate whether red colour has a negative effect compared to a neutral black colour in performing an achievement task. The experiment used the K-BIT II Intelligence test, which was copied into a Power Point Presentation, in order to present the test on a IBM A21p laptop. 40 participants took part in the experiment, with 19 participants from Ireland and 20 participants from Germany. A within, between subjects design was used. The Beck's Anxiety Inventory was answered twice to investigate if the participants were anxious. The independent variables were the colours, red vs. black; the dependent variable was performance on the intelligence test. No significant difference was found between the red colour and the black colour condition; a significant difference was found for the first and the second time the intelligence test was answered. Since colour is everywhere, more research is necessary in the area of colour and psychological functioning.