The stroop test and its relationship to academic performance and general behaviour of young students

Abstract

The test developed by Stroop some 70 years ago is used, among other purposes, as an indicator of attention disorder and general mood fluctuations. The present research attempted to determine whether a correlation existed between the Stroop Test, student ability as defined by a standardised IQ test, and general classroom behaviour. This study involved 87 year three students, across four schools in Perth, Western Australia. Independent variables included socio-economic level, gender, and school type (government or private). Results indicated a strong positive correlation of IQ and Stroop Test Ranking with socio-economic status. No significant differences were found between IQ and Stroop by type of school, nor were any significant differences found with regard to gender. Results suggest that the Stroop Test may be a powerful predictive instrument with regard to students' academic performance and general behaviour rankings.