Scientists have discovered the colour red can affect how people function, keeping them from performing at their best on tests.University of Rochester and University of Munich researchers looking at the effect of red on intellectual performance found that if test-takers are aware of even a hint of red, their performance will be affected to a significant degree.University of Rochester's Andrew Elliot,author of the research , said they found that when people see even a flash or red before being tested, they associate the colour with mistakes and faiulures. In turn, they do poorly on the test."Colour clearly has aesthetic value,but it can also carry specific meaning and convey specific information,"said Elliot."Our study of avoidance motivation is part and parcel of that."