Figure 9.6: The Stroop interference effect Time yourself (or a friend) on each of the following tasks: (1) Name the colors in each box in column (a). (2) Name the ink colors used to print the words in columns (b), (c), and (d), timing each column separately. Column (c) will take the longest, because the color words interfere with naming the ink colors—that is the Stroop interference effect. Column (d) may also take somewhat longer than either (a) or (b) because the noncolor words interfere somewhat with naming the ink colors. Column (b) should be quickest because the words facilitate naming the ink colors.