What does the Stroop effect demonstrate?

The Stroop effect demonstrates the difficulty of naming the color of a word when it represents a different color. This phenomenon occurs because the brain processes the meaning of the word and the color it is printed in simultaneously. When the two sources of information conflict—such as when the word "red" is printed in blue ink—participants often experience interference, leading to slower response times and increased errors. This highlights how automatic processes, like reading, can interfere with intentional tasks, such as color identification, revealing insights into cognitive functions related to attention, perception, and processing speed. The Stroop effect is a foundational example in cognitive psychology that illustrates the complexities of mental processing and the mechanisms of attention.