In a series of six experiments, researchers demonstrated that red provokes a cautious, avoidant mode of motivation, which is beneficial for tasks that require attention to detail.
By contrast, blue provokes an approach-based, exploratory motivational state, which is conducive to creativity.
The effects are thought to occur via the meanings we learn to associate with different colours – for example, in many cultures red is of course associated with danger and the command to stop.
This study was conducted on a Canadian sample – it’s possible the effects of colour may vary between cultures.
Ravi Mehta, Rui (Juliet) Zhu (2009). Blue or Red? Exploring the Effect of Color on Cognitive Task Performances. Science. In Press.
More like evolutionary responses. Even in surveys conducted by researchers brought up in cultures where the meanings of colours were different (ex.: a Cantonese survey had the same results, though “…red in Chinese culture signifies peace…” (it could be contested that red’s symbolism in Chinese culture was sometimes similar to its symbolism in Canadian culture, for example)) but the results of colours in the test environment were the same.
Thanks for the comment. I guess I have more to learn about affects of colors :).