βTMA05 D120 Part A
Encountering Psychology in
context | 2026 Update with
complete solutions-The Open
University.
TMA05 Part A: Produce a research report
Use a paired samples t-test to analyse the data provided and write a full research report.
Abstract
This study analyzes influence of emotional valence on the Stroop effect, a well-
established experimental effect in cognitive psychology that reflects interference in
colour-word processing. Forty participants completed a Stroop test, using threatening
animal words and neutral animal words as stimuli. Reaction times and error rates were
analysed to assess the impact of emotional valence on attentional biases and cognitive
control mechanisms. There were big differences in reaction times and error rates between
trials that were congruent and those that were not. The interference effects were
stronger for threatening animal words than for neutral animal words. These findings
highlight the role of emotion in modulating attentional processes and provide insights into
the cognitive mechanisms underlying the Stroop effect. The research discusses the
implications for understanding attentional biases and their relevance to psychological
functioning.
Introduction
, The Stroop effect, a fundamental phenomenon in cognitive psychology, highlights the complex
interactions between attention, perception, and response inhibition. The Stroop effect, first
described by John Ridley Stroop in 1935, demonstrates the interference experienced when
participants attempt to name the ink colour of colour words that are incongruent with the
semantic meaning of the word itself. For example, when the word "RED" is written in green ink,
participants often experience a delay in identifying the ink colour due to the automatic
processing of the word’s meaning. On the other hand, when participants are shown the word
“RED” written in red ink, the processing time tends to be faster.
Encountering Psychology in
context | 2026 Update with
complete solutions-The Open
University.
TMA05 Part A: Produce a research report
Use a paired samples t-test to analyse the data provided and write a full research report.
Abstract
This study analyzes influence of emotional valence on the Stroop effect, a well-
established experimental effect in cognitive psychology that reflects interference in
colour-word processing. Forty participants completed a Stroop test, using threatening
animal words and neutral animal words as stimuli. Reaction times and error rates were
analysed to assess the impact of emotional valence on attentional biases and cognitive
control mechanisms. There were big differences in reaction times and error rates between
trials that were congruent and those that were not. The interference effects were
stronger for threatening animal words than for neutral animal words. These findings
highlight the role of emotion in modulating attentional processes and provide insights into
the cognitive mechanisms underlying the Stroop effect. The research discusses the
implications for understanding attentional biases and their relevance to psychological
functioning.
Introduction
, The Stroop effect, a fundamental phenomenon in cognitive psychology, highlights the complex
interactions between attention, perception, and response inhibition. The Stroop effect, first
described by John Ridley Stroop in 1935, demonstrates the interference experienced when
participants attempt to name the ink colour of colour words that are incongruent with the
semantic meaning of the word itself. For example, when the word "RED" is written in green ink,
participants often experience a delay in identifying the ink colour due to the automatic
processing of the word’s meaning. On the other hand, when participants are shown the word
“RED” written in red ink, the processing time tends to be faster.
