marshmallow test

American  

[mahrsh-mel-oh test, -mal-oh] / ˈmɑrʃˌmɛl oʊ ˌtɛst, -ˌmæl oʊ /

noun

Psychology.

1. an experiment in which self-control is assessed through whether the subject, usually a child, chooses to eat a presented treat, such as a marshmallow or cookie, for immediate gratification or chooses to wait in order to get an additional, promised treat.

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Etymology

Origin of marshmallow test

First recorded in 1965–70; developed by Austrian-born U.S. psychologist Walter Mischel (1930–2018) at Stanford University

Example Sentences

Some studies have found that better performance on that marshmallow test in childhood predicts better outcomes in school, relationships and health later in life.

From Scientific American • Jul. 14, 2023

“This one is of the Good Boy Challenge. You leave the food”—fried eggs, for instance, with dog doughnuts from Maison de pawZ—“and then you wait. It’s like the marshmallow test for dogs.”

From The New Yorker • Aug. 19, 2019

The marshmallow test and ego depletion studies are fair game for further examination, and in those cases modifications may in fact clarify the picture.

From New York Times • Jul. 16, 2018

The Atlantic explains why rich kids are so good at the marshmallow test.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2018

Given that these distractions aren’t going away, academic and even professional achievement may depend on the ability to ignore digital temptations while learning—a feat akin to the famous marshmallow test.

From Slate • May 3, 2013