There is a well-known experiment which was conducted in the 1960's in which four year old children were offered a marshmallow and were told that they may eat it now. But if they wait 15 minutes until the person returns, they can have two marshmallows. Some ate the marshmallow right away while others waited and got two. The researchers then followed the progress of each child into adolescence and demonstrated that those with the ability to wait were better adjusted and more dependable (determined via surveys of their parents and teachers), and scored significantly higher on the Scholastic Aptitude Test years later. This showed that early self-discipline boded well for the future.
You can watch a recent reenactment here:
http://vimeo.com/5239013
It is very amusing!
If you were watching a child you loved being tested in this way, what would you want them to do?
Self-discipline is a vital trait indeed, but how about being content with what one has - is that not also a vital attitude in life, the source of happiness? Isn't waiting for two greedy? And maybe they don't like marshmallows enough to wait for a second one. Though the girl who ate it and left didn't seem to even consider the matter and that did not bode well for her future.
I noticed that not a single child turned their back on the marshmallow to avoid temptation. And they also listen and sit in the chair and don't get up!
What if they were allowed to do whatever they wanted in the room? What if there was a clock in the room and they were told she would be back when the big hand is on the 3 or if there was a timer they could watch. She didn't tell them when she would be back! And how informative is this test when they are told to sit inches away from it?
Comments anyone?
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