Why Superman Can Wait: Cognitive Self-Transformation in the Delay of Gratification Paradigm
Wentworth, Michael
Karniol, R., Galili, L., Shtilerman, D., Naim, R., Stern, K., Manjoch, H., & Silverman, R. (2011). Why Superman Can Wait: Cognitive Self-Transformation in the Delay of Gratification Paradigm. Journal Of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 40(2), 307-317. doi:10.1080/15374416.2011.546040
Summary: This article examines the ability for preschool children to delay the temptation of being rewarded with treats by taking on the roll of Superhero A (Superman) who showcases the ability to be patient by waiting with casual ease and Superhero B (Dash) who showcases reactionary tendencies by being impatient. The study begins with a history of the, “delay of gratification paradigm,” by highlighting research by Walter Mischel (psychologist) and his collaborators over the years, Moore, Ebbesen, Zeiss, Yates, Baker, Metcalfe, Shoda, Peake & Rodriguez. The general findings are that children who were exposed to and preformed self-regulating strategies, like Superhero A, during these experiments have the tendency to achieve higher academic success including SAT scores, have stronger social skills and emotional stability while also engaging civic responsibility with more frequency.
Evaluation: The interesting aspect to this article is the 40 years of research that has been going on and the tracking taking place of students that participated in early experiments to discover the outcome of the initial experiments. Another aspect that is also interesting is the pre-exam used, the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) created by J.C. Raven in the 1930s has been used in over 1000 studies that can be used in data analysis, which richly supports the research done in this experiment. It may not come as a surprise that children, students, who are encouraged to take on the character of a superhero that is well respected for their honor and known to be patient assists the child in being patient. However it is information that helps reinforce teachers to use techniques that encourage respect, honor and patience when engaging overactive children.
Why Superman Can Wait
INFO 250 - Module 1 
Michael,
I like this article and your summary. My daughter, at the age of about 4 I believe, participated in a study conducted by a Stanford student. This article reminded me of it. The activity was similar to what this study talks about – delay in gratification. I remember sometimes the Grad Student would let my daughter play with the objects (blocks, shapes, etc.), and other times she would ask her to wait. She would note my daughter's attitude, body language, and temperament when she was told “no,” or simply asked to wait. However, this was not a longitudinal study and thus no one followed my daughter's progress. I think we're talking about two different studies, but I like that the study from your article followed the progress and achievement of the students.
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