Stroop Test
Identify the ink color of the word as fast as you can. Ignore what the word says — interference slows you down.
Press R, G, B, or Y — or tap a button below.
R · G · B · Y
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How It Works
- Click Start to begin.
- A word appears in a colored ink.
- Choose the ink color as fast as you can (ignore the word).
- Your score is based on reaction time, accuracy, and interference.
- Improve by staying relaxed and focusing on color, not meaning.
Understanding Your Score
| Range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 95%+ accuracy | Excellent Focus |
| 85–94% | Above Average |
| 75–84% | Average |
| 65–74% | Below Average |
| Under 65% | Needs Practice |
The Stroop effect demonstrates the interference between automatic and controlled processing. Reading is a highly automated skill that interferes with the less-automated task of color naming. This conflict engages the anterior cingulate cortex, which mediates between competing responses. The size of the interference effect is a reliable marker of executive function and attentional control.
Tips for Improvement
- Focus on the ink color, not the word — try to suppress your automatic reading response.
- Take a brief pause before each answer — a fraction of a second lets you override the interference.
- Practice mindfulness — strengthening attentional control carries over to Stroop performance.
- Stay relaxed — anxiety increases error rates on conflict-heavy trials.