Radiolab is well known for having the best science storytelling around. In this episode, psychologist Walter Mischel describes a simple experiment he used to test self control in young children. The results show how one little marshmallow can tell us a frightening amount about what kind of person you are.
Discussion Questions:
- There are debates in many fields of science about the roles of nature vs. nurture. What personality traits do you have in common with your parents? How have you been influenced by your environment? Imagine how your life could be different if one of these factors were changed.
- How predictable are humans? Are we able to act in ways that defy prediction?
- Would you want to know if you were genetically predisposed to be a criminal or have a terminal disease? How would this knowledge effect you?
- Is willpower real? Imagine we have the ability some day to increase the intensity of your temptations—at what point are you no longer in control?
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4 responses to “Mischel’s Marshmallows”
I believe willpower is real. Some might practice it more than others, but I believe everyone has it. I would say more often than not, willpower is a struggle for some. New Year’s resolutions are a perfect example. Many people make it their goal to lose weight. During the month of January the gym is packed with people working towards their goal but it doesn’t take long for the gym to become empty once again until next January. Those who give up, lack willpower. Those who continually work towards their goal have strong willpower. I think willpower is important especially in certain situations. College, for example, requires willpower. There are things that people should abstain from doing, but that takes willpower, especially when everyone else is participating. I believe everyone has willpower, but not everyone uses it.
If someday there is an ability to increase the intensity of temptations, I still think you can always stay in control; it just depends on the strength of your willpower. Temptations cannot control you, unless you let them.
Will power is real, because everyone can resist temptation in their own way, some people may have a stronger will power than others but it is a real thing. If will power was not real than no one would be able to resist any temptation at all. The fact that people can resist temptation is proof that will power is real. Will power is given to us from God, We all have it, but we don’t all use it in the same way.
I am a leader like my dad and then I’m Very creative like my mother. By living in 6 different states I have been molded to accept different cultures more readily than people my age. I think I would be a very differnt person if I had lived with differnt parents and stayed in one state my entire life
Humans are habitual people but can be very unpredictable. We some times try to defy authority
No, I think I would want to live my life with out knowing
I believe will power is real I believe we are no longer in control when the influences in our personal and professional life become to strong
1) I have many characteristics that classify me as my parents offspring but three that stand out the most are my kindness, understanding, and determination. Different perspective and clashing thoughts make it hard to strive for individuality but I have been influenced with different politics and beliefs.
2) humans are not very predictable at all. We are able to act in ways that defy predictions.
3) I would not want to know what my genetic destiny is, I am open to living life one day at a time and making spontaneous decisions. By knowing this isn’t would probably confine the decisions I make and not living up to my full potential.
4) will power IS real. There is not a point where you are not in control. I believe wholeheartedly that each person is entitled to make their own decisions. People mistake will power for temptation. Will power is real to stand against temptation . There will never be a point where we are not in control.