Why good guys wear white; automatic inferences about stimulus valence based on brightness
Article Abstract:
Affect is a somewhat abstract concept that is frequently linked to physical metaphor. For example, good is often depicted as light (rather than dark), up (rather than down), and moving forward (rather than backward). The purpose of our studies was to examine whether the association between stimulus brightness and affect is optional or obligatory. In a series of three studies, participants categorized words as negative or positive. The valence of the words and the brightness of the letters were varied orthogonally. In Studies 1, 2, and 3, we found that categorization was inhibited when there was a mismatch between stimulus brightness (e.g., light) and word valence (e.g., negative). Studies 4 and 5 reveal boundary conditions for the effect. The studies suggest that, when making evaluations, people automatically assume that bright objects are good, whereas dark objects are bad.
Publication Name: Psychological Science
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0956-7976
Year: 2004
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A role for the human amygdala in recognizing emotional arousal from unpleasant stimuli
Article Abstract:
A study was conducted to analyze recognition of two emotional dimensions, arousal and valence, in a subject supporting complete, bilateral damage restricted to the amygdala. The recognition of emotional arousal was impaired for facial expressions, sentences and words that characterized unpleasant emotions. Results indicated that amygdala supports a critical function in knowledge about the arousal of negative emotions.
Publication Name: Psychological Science
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0956-7976
Year: 1999
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Decision affect theory: emotional reactions to the outcomes of risky options
Article Abstract:
Research shows that individuals experience emotional responses if they make an uncertain decision and do not know what the outcome will be. The outcome of an uncertain decision is preferable if it is unexpected but favourable to the expected outcome. The individual becomes more emotional when an unanticipated event occurs. Decision affect theory is discussed in relation to the research.
Publication Name: Psychological Science
Subject: Psychology and mental health
ISSN: 0956-7976
Year: 1997
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