What explains the Stroop effect?
The effect can be explained by the conflict between two types of information processing: a type of information processing that is automatic and effortless i.e. reading the words – something you have done countless times; and a type of information processing that requires deliberate selective attention to information that is unusual (naming the colours), while suppressing interference from automatic, well learned response to the word meaning. The ability to flexibly attend to different aspects of our world in ways that are not routine or automatic is essential to fluid intelligence. You cannot use your fluid intelligence on autopilot. And there is good evidence that your fluid intelligence is closely related to your ability to stay on track in a task or while pursuing a goal – and not to get distracted by interfering information or automatic modes of thinking or behaving that don’t help you attain your goal.
