Yes, I think you mean the monster study? >The person is likely referring to the "Monster Study," a well-known psychological experiment conducted in 1939 by Dr. Wendell Johnson and Tudor at the University of Iowa. This study aimed to investigate the effects of positive and negative speech therapy on children who stuttered and those who did not. >**Participants:** >22 orphaned children, some of whom were identified as stutterers and others who were not. >**Method:** >The children were divided into two groups. One group received positive reinforcement (praise) for their fluent speech, while the other group received negative reinforcement (criticism and labeling as stutterers) for any disfluency, even if they were normal speakers. >**Results:** >The children who received negative reinforcement (criticism) developed significant speech problems and anxiety related to speaking. The study learned that although none of the children became stutterers, some became self-conscious and reluctant to speak: Reduced speech for all 6 subjects; Rate of speaking was decreased Length of replies was shorter They were more aware and embarrassed They accepted the fact that there was something wrong with their speech Every child reacted to his/her speech interruptions in some way (Silverman) Decreased School Performance **Lasting Psychological and Emotional Scars**: Even though none of the children developed permanent stuttering, many suffered from long-term psychological and emotional damage. This was acknowledged in the compensation awarded to the orphans many years later. Tudor concluded that her findings supported the hypothesis that “**evaluative labeling can influence behavior**”. ([source](https://ahn.mnsu.edu/services-and-centers/center-for-communication-sciences-and-disorders/services/stuttering/information-about-stuttering/serious-information/the-bookstore/the-library/online-student-journal-of-fluency-disorders/linda-hallens-class-in-stuttering-at-marquette-university-milwaukee-wi/the-monster-study-diagnosogenic-theory)) ([wiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Study)) >**Ethical Issues:** >The study is controversial due to its ethical implications, including the psychological harm inflicted on the children, leading to long-term negative effects on their speech and mental health. >**Impact:** >The "Monster Study" has been cited as an example of the potential dangers of using negative reinforcement in psychological experiments and has influenced ethical standards in research involving human subjects.