An Evaluative Effect of Temperature on the Human Cognitive Response using Stroop Test

The effect of temperature on the human cognitive response was studied using the Stroop test. In the study, 80 participants were subjected to temperatures varying from 5 oC to 40 oC and the Stroop score was measured. It was observed that 32.5% participants showed least Stroop score at 30 oC and 51.25% at 40 oC indicating better and quicker cognitive response at higher temperatures. Analysis using regression studies indicated a negative linear correlation between Stroop score and temperature with multiple R and R square value of 0.998 and 0.997 respectively. These results seem to indicate that participants were investing a greater amount of cognitive effort for a fast completion of the given task when exposed to thermal stress in order to compensate for the increased feeling of discomfort.