In a captivating TEDxPenn talk, YouTube star and former NASA engineer Mark Rober unveiled a fascinating experiment involving a seemingly simple computer programming puzzle – a coding car test. This wasn’t just about proving that anyone could learn to code; it was a clever setup to demonstrate the profound impact of framing failure in the learning process, a concept he brilliantly terms the “Super Mario Effect.” Let’s delve into Rober’s insightful experiment and explore how the Super Mario Effect, highlighted by his coding car test, can revolutionize the way we approach learning and skill development, especially in fields like coding and car repair diagnostics.
Mark Rober explaining the Super Mario Effect and his coding car test at TEDxPenn, highlighting the importance of reframing failure in learning for better outcomes.
Unveiling the Coding Car Test Experiment
Rober initiated his talk by describing a coding puzzle he created for his YouTube followers. This puzzle was ingeniously designed as a maze, where participants had to arrange code blocks representing fundamental computer programming operations to guide a virtual car to the finish line. Users would drag and drop these blocks – commands like if-else statements and while loops – to create a program. Upon hitting “Run,” the car would execute the programmed commands, navigating the maze based on the user’s coding logic.
The premise was straightforward: to demonstrate the accessibility of coding to individuals from all backgrounds. An impressive 50,000 individuals took on the challenge, attempting to solve the coding car test. However, unbeknownst to the participants, Rober and his team introduced a subtle yet critical variable into the experiment.
The Subtle Difference: Points vs. No Points
The coding car test was presented in two slightly different versions, randomly assigned to participants. The core mechanics of the puzzle remained identical, but the feedback mechanism for unsuccessful attempts differed significantly.
In the first version, if a participant ran their code and the car failed to navigate the maze correctly, they received a message stating: “That didn’t work. Please try again.” Crucially, there was no penalty for failure; their starting score of 200 points remained untouched.
However, in the second version, the message was subtly altered to: “That didn’t work. You lost 5 points. You now have 195 points. Please try again.” Here, failure was associated with a minor penalty – the deduction of five meaningless, virtual points from their initial score. This seemingly insignificant difference in feedback had a dramatic impact on the participants’ behavior and success rates.
The Astonishing Results: Success and Persistence
Analyzing the data from 50,000 participants revealed a striking disparity between the two groups. For those who were penalized with point deductions for failed attempts in the coding car test, the success rate hovered around 52%. Conversely, the group that received no penalty for failure achieved a significantly higher success rate of 68%.
This 16% difference was statistically significant and initially seemed almost unbelievable to Rober. Further analysis of the data provided even more compelling insights. The team tracked the number of attempts each group made before successfully solving the puzzle. The results were even more pronounced in terms of persistence. Participants who were not penalized for failure attempted the coding car test approximately 2.5 times more often than those who were penalized.
This data strongly suggested that framing failure in a negative light – even with a trivial penalty like losing fake internet points – significantly deterred persistence and ultimately hindered learning and success in the coding car test. The group that was allowed to fail without penalty, and thus without judgment, exhibited greater resilience, tried more solutions, and consequently, learned more effectively.
The Super Mario Effect: Learning from the Game
This observation led Rober to coin the term “Super Mario Effect.” He drew a parallel to the popular Super Mario Bros. video game. When playing Super Mario, players are not fixated on their failures – the times they fall into pits, get hit by enemies, or miss jumps. Instead, their focus remains on the ultimate goal: rescuing Princess Peach. Each failure is simply a learning opportunity, a chance to understand the game mechanics better and adjust their strategy for the next attempt.
Imagine a player falling into a pit in Super Mario. They don’t typically react with shame or give up entirely. Instead, they analyze what went wrong, perhaps realizing they needed more speed or a later jump. The focus is always on overcoming the challenge and progressing through the game, not dwelling on the setbacks.
This “Super Mario Effect” – focusing on the end goal rather than being discouraged by failures – is the key to enhanced learning and persistence, as demonstrated by the coding car test experiment. It’s about gamifying the learning process, where challenges are seen as levels to conquer, and failures are merely steps towards mastering the game.
Toddlers and Dartboards: Real-World Examples
Rober further illustrated the Super Mario Effect with relatable real-world examples. He pointed to toddlers learning to walk. Young children are constantly trying new things and are remarkably unfazed by failure. When a toddler falls while learning to walk, they don’t give up. They get back up and try again, driven by the inherent desire to achieve their goal. Parents, in turn, encourage this persistence by celebrating successes and not punishing failures.
Another compelling example Rober shared was his personal experience building a dartboard that automatically adjusted to ensure a bullseye every time. This ambitious project took three years of relentless effort, filled with countless setbacks and failures. However, Rober approached these challenges with the same mindset he had when playing Super Mario. Each failure was simply a puzzle piece to figure out, a lesson learned that brought him closer to the ultimate solution. He viewed the process as a game, where the goal was to “beat” the dartboard challenge, rather than being demoralized by the inevitable obstacles.
Gamification Beyond Games: Applying the Effect to Real Life
The Super Mario Effect extends far beyond video games and coding car tests. It’s a powerful principle applicable to various aspects of life, particularly in learning new skills and tackling complex challenges. Whether it’s mastering car repair diagnostics, learning a new programming language, or overcoming any obstacle, adopting this gamified mindset can be transformative.
Consider the field of car repair. Diagnosing a complex automotive issue can be akin to navigating a challenging level in a game. Mechanics often face setbacks, misdiagnoses, and frustrating troubleshooting processes. However, by embracing the Super Mario Effect, car repair professionals can reframe these failures as learning opportunities. Each incorrect diagnosis or unsuccessful repair attempt becomes a step closer to understanding the root cause of the problem.
Instead of feeling discouraged by setbacks, mechanics who adopt this mindset can approach each challenge with renewed curiosity and persistence. They can analyze what went wrong, learn from their mistakes, and refine their diagnostic strategies for future attempts. This approach not only fosters continuous improvement but also makes the learning process more engaging and less daunting.
From Test to Game: Reframing the Learning Experience
To further emphasize the power of framing, Rober presented a thought experiment. He described a hypothetical test with complex instructions and button inputs, suggesting it would be tedious and unappealing, even for a monetary reward. He then cleverly transformed this “test” into a “game” by changing the terminology, adding visual appeal, and reframing the instructions as visual tasks. This transformation instantly made the same activity engaging and desirable, as exemplified by the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System.
This thought experiment underscores the importance of perception in learning. Framing an activity as a “test” can evoke anxiety and fear of failure, hindering motivation and performance. Conversely, framing the same activity as a “game” can foster curiosity, engagement, and a willingness to persevere through challenges.
The Science YouTuber’s Approach: Learning Disguised as Fun
As a science YouTuber, Mark Rober applies the Super Mario Effect to his educational content. He recognizes that science can often be perceived as intimidating or boring, much like the hypothetical “test.” His approach is to “trick” viewers into learning by presenting complex scientific concepts through engaging and entertaining demonstrations.
He uses captivating projects, like a hot tub filled with liquefied sand or a snowball machine gun, to draw viewers in. Once engaged, he subtly introduces the underlying scientific principles, such as fluidized beds or buoyancy. By making learning fun and exciting, Rober effectively removes the fear of failure and makes science more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Real Life is Not a Bug, It’s a Feature
Rober concludes his talk with a powerful cartoon analogy. It depicts two paths: one a smooth, straight line representing an idealized, failure-free life, and the other a bumpy, obstacle-ridden path representing the reality of life’s challenges. While we might initially desire the smooth path, Rober argues that it is the challenging, failure-filled path that leads to true growth, satisfaction, and meaningful achievements.
He emphasizes that real life, like a challenging video game, is full of setbacks and obstacles. However, it is through overcoming these challenges and learning from our failures that we develop resilience, skills, and a sense of accomplishment. The Super Mario Effect encourages us to embrace these challenges, not as bugs in the system, but as features that make life, and learning, more rewarding.
Conclusion: Level Up Your Learning with the Super Mario Effect
Mark Rober’s coding car test and his insightful explanation of the Super Mario Effect offer a valuable lesson for anyone seeking to learn new skills or overcome challenges. By reframing failure as a learning opportunity, focusing on the end goal, and gamifying the learning process, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greater success. Whether you’re tackling a coding puzzle, diagnosing a car problem, or pursuing any challenging endeavor, remember the Super Mario Effect: focus on rescuing the princess, not dwelling on the pits, and level up your learning journey.
