OK, let's start with the fact that OP never defines "willpower", whatever that is and for which each of us probably has a different definition. The researcher

OK, let's start with the fact that OP never defines "willpower", whatever that is and for which each of us probably has a different definition. The researcher in question studies kinesiology, in other words, exercise and physical health. It's pretty clear that in this context, "willpower" meant "ability to follow through on an exercise regimen". Then, OP never explains the applicability or purpose or reciting color words in different colors. It's called the Stroop Task, as was already pointed out, and has been well known for decades as an incredibly useful tool in psychological research. It's mentally taxing and fairly resistant to performance improvement from practice or preparation. This is basic knowledge in the field. The Stroop Task is usually employed to measure impairment of higher cognitive functions, but in this case is being used to deliberately overtax those cognitive functions (which presumably include willpower). You mean any more than an "associate professor of kinesiology". I hold my years of experience completing projects in the trenches against her psych lab any day. Yes, more qualified than a scientist with years of training and multiple publications in a specialized field that you have demonstrated absolutely no knowledge of. Your years of experience "in the trenches" are completely irrelevant. I am endeavoring to be polite here, but I'm frankly baffled by the sheer arrogance on display. Not "indignant declamations" (whatever that means), It means exactly what it says, despite your snide commentary. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/indignant http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/indignant http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/declamation http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/declamation just my opinion. Are you suggesting that people with opinions should refrain from expressing them in a discussion forum? The suggestion is perhaps that people with uninformed opinions should refrain from expressing them with smug self-satisfaction or, failing that, at least have the courtesy to do so on a site such as Digg where that behavior is the convention.