The study was conducted through a computer guessing game that asked participants to lift a series of rocks. Occasionally, there would be a snake waiting from them under the rock, in which case they were given a minor electric shock. Participants were split into two groups: a group that knew they were getting shocked, and one that didn’t. Measuring for stress, pupil dilation and perspiration, the study found some interesting results. For one, the presence of uncertainty created a significantly higher stress response in participants who knew they were going to be shocked. However, this uncertainty-related stress might not be a bad thing. The study also found that participants who were more stressed were able to guess which rocks had snakes under them more effectively. These results imply that decision-making is positively affected by stress brought on by uncertainty in the long-run. So, whether you are looking to improve your recent high score in Pac-Man or want to impress your boss with a stellar presentation, add a little uncertainty to the mix. You might get the added adrenaline you need to knock it out of the park. Image via Flickr /Bernard Goldbach
