In One Study, Research Participants Watched a Video Screen on Which

question 37

Multiple Choice

In one study, research participants watched a video screen on which one group of players, dressed in white shirts, were tossing a ball back and forth. Mixed-in with these white-shirted players, and clearly visible on the same video screen, was a group of black-shirted players, also tossing around a ball. When participants were asked to focus on the white-shirted players only, __________.

• A) they could not do so; they kept getting distracted by what the black-shirted players were doing
• B) they quickly shifted their attention back and forth between the black-shirted and the white-shirted players
• C) they ended up seeing something that never really happened: white-shirted players tossing the ball with black-shirted players
• D) they failed even to notice when someone in a black gorilla suit strolled through the middle of the scene

---

Definitions:

Dutch Famine

A period of severe starvation that took place in the Netherlands during World War II, leading to significant health and developmental problems for those affected.

Schizophrenia

A mental health condition distinguished by irregularities in reasoning, interpreting the environment, feeling, and socializing with others.

World War II

A global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations.

Prenatal Viral Infections

Viral infections that occur in the fetus while in utero, potentially leading to various developmental problems or birth defects.