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Garcia-Marques T, Figueira P, Fernandes A, Martins J. Deontic signs increase control monitoring: evidence from a modified traffic flanker task. Cogn Process 2023; 24:327-338. [PMID: 37115463 PMCID: PMC10359393 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-023-01139-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Deontic norms are expected to impose individuals' control over their behavior. In this paper, we address such norms presented in traffic signs and test their influence over executive control functions. For Experiment 1, we develop a traffic flanker task in which the typical neutral arrows are replaced with traffic prohibition/obligation signs. Experiment 2 isolated the deontic aspect of the signs using simple arrows on red, blue, and green backgrounds and either primed them to be interpreted as traffic signs or as elements of a gaming console controller. Results in both studies show evidence of controlling context interferences more efficiently when dealing with deontic (traffic) signs than with simple arrows (Experiment 1) or with similar perceptive targets when primed with a deontic context than with a gaming context (Experiment 2). In both studies, obligation/blue signs mitigate flanker effects less than prohibition/red signs. Stimuli color affects the alertness of the cognitive system, with the color red being, by itself, a cue for increased control. Based on temporal analysis, we further discuss these results as evidence of an increase in proactive control that aims to prevent the occurrence of undesirable influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Garcia-Marques
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Figueira
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Fernandes
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Martins
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal
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2
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Bouhassoun S, Naveau M, Delcroix N, Poirel N. Approach in green, avoid in red? Examining interindividual variabilities and personal color preferences through continuous measures of specific meaning associations. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023; 87:1232-1242. [PMID: 36071301 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01732-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Empirically based literature suggests that avoidance/approach motivation arising from color-meaning associations assume a key mediational role in the color effect during psychological functioning. Even if several studies investigated color-meaning associations through different methodological approaches, no study investigated specific color-meaning associations (1) through continuous measures (2) for both positive and negative meanings. In addition, color effects are not unequivocal, and interindividual variability issues are still underexplored. The present study is based on the application of visual analog scales to assess continuous measures of specific color-meaning associations related to both negative and positive meanings that could rely on avoidance/approach motivation. The data analyses compared the distribution of the color-meaning association scores rated by participants (N = 152) on visual analog scales. The results showed strong associations between red color and items that could be related to avoidance motivation. Conversely, green color association scores showed distinct and specific associations that could be related to approach motivation. The results also revealed that blue color could exhibit a similar pattern for some meaning association scores compared with green color, as well as orange compared with red association scores. In addition, the results suggest that color preferences may influence color effects, especially regarding color-related approach motivation. The present study provides new insights about the color effect on psychological functioning and a novel approach to investigate the mediational processes such as avoidance/approach motivation that considers interindividual differences along a continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Bouhassoun
- Université Paris Cité, LaPsyDÉ, UMR CNRS 8240, Paris, France
- GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Mikaël Naveau
- GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
- UMS 3408, UNICAEN, CHU de Caen, CNRS, Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Delcroix
- GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
- UMS 3408, UNICAEN, CHU de Caen, CNRS, Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Poirel
- Université Paris Cité, LaPsyDÉ, UMR CNRS 8240, Paris, France.
- GIP Cyceron, Caen, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
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3
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Interaction between color and attentional level in children’s conflict control. Cogn Process 2022; 23:647-654. [DOI: 10.1007/s10339-022-01107-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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4
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Kuklick L, Lindner MA. Computer-based knowledge of results feedback in different delivery modes: Effects on performance, motivation, and achievement emotions. CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2021.102001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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5
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Nadarevic L, Symeonidou N, Kias A. In Colore Veritas? Color effects on the speed and accuracy of true/false responses. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2021; 86:919-936. [PMID: 34050785 PMCID: PMC8942928 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-021-01528-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In addition to their perceptual or aesthetic function, colors often carry conceptual meaning. In quizzes, for instance, true and false answers are typically marked in green and red. In three experiments, we used a Stroop task to investigate automatic green-true associations and red-false associations, respectively. In Experiments 1 and 2, stimuli were true statements (e.g., “tables are furniture”) and false statements (e.g., “bananas are buildings”) that were displayed in different combination of green, red, and gray depending on the experimental condition. In Experiment 3, we used true-related and false-related words shown in green, red, or gray. Participants had to indicate the validity (or semantic meaning) of each statement (or word) as fast and as accurately as possible. We expected that participants would perform best when they had to categorize green stimuli as “true” and red stimuli as “false”. The prediction was only confirmed when green and red stimuli were presented within the same context (i.e., same experimental condition). This finding supports the dimension-specificity hypothesis which states that cross-modal associations (here: associations between color and validity) depend on the context (here: the color-context). Moreover, the observed color-validity effects were stronger when participants had to categorize single words instead of sentences and when they had to provide speeded responses. Taken together, these results suggest that controlled processing counteracts the influence of automatic color associations on true/false responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Nadarevic
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, 68131, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Nikoletta Symeonidou
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, 68131, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alina Kias
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, 68131, Mannheim, Germany
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6
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Red or blue? Effects of background color in distraction tasks on global processing in unconscious thought. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-0154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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7
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Abstract
Red color supposedly affects cognitive functioning in achievement situations and impairs test performance. Although this has been shown for different cognitive domains in different populations and cultural contexts, recent studies including close replications failed to corroborate this effect. Reported here is a random-effects meta-analysis of 67 effect sizes (38 samples) that compared test performance after viewing red or a control color. For anagram tests and knowledge tests no significant difference between color conditions was found (Cohen's d of -0.06 and -0.04); for reasoning tests the pooled effect of d = -0.34, 95% CI [-0.61, -0.06] indicated significantly lower scores in the red condition. The cumulative meta-analysis revealed substantially larger effects in initial studies as compared to subsequent research. After correcting for publication bias no evidential value for an effect of red color on intellectual performance was available. The review casts doubt on the existence of a robust color-priming effect in achievement situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Gnambs
- Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories, Wilhelmsplatz 3, 96047, Bamberg, Germany.
- Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria.
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8
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Bertrams A. A Schema-Activation Approach to Failure and Success in Self-Control. Front Psychol 2020; 11:2256. [PMID: 33041898 PMCID: PMC7522324 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies confirm the so-called ego depletion effect (i.e., self-control is impaired after an initial unrelated self-control task). During recent years, the criticism on this limited-resource approach to willpower has increased, and alternative models have been developed. I argue that the existing models cannot explain the variety of results found in the ego depletion literature and introduce the schema model of self-control. Referring to related schema conceptions (i.e., illness schemas and emotion schemas), I posit that the processes that cause ego depletion effects occur around the activation of the fatigue/decreased vitality schema. This schema becomes activated via the registration of behavioral and physiological changes related to exercising self-control. The activation of the schema should instigate the motivation to conserve energy and, therefore, cause reduced effort and decreased performance in a subsequent self-control task. Moderator variables (e.g., energy supply) should influence the (non)activation of the fatigue/decreased vitality schema or its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Bertrams
- Educational Psychology Lab, Institute of Educational Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Bertrams A, Althaus L, Boss T, Furrer P, Jegher LC, Soszynska P, Tschumi V. Using Red Font Influences the Emotional Perception of Critical Performance Feedback. SWISS JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1024/1421-0185/a000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The color red has been shown to affect psychological functioning. In performance settings, it is associated with negative emotions, avoidance motivation, and cognitive restriction. Because red is frequently used in written performance feedback, we examined whether it represents an external form aspect that can adversely influence the perception of critical feedback by the receiver, independent of the verbal content of the feedback. To this end, we conducted a web-based experiment in which 171 participants performed an alleged attention test and were then given moderately critical feedback, including hints for improvement. Per random assignment, either some of the words within the feedback were presented in red letters or all words were presented in standard black. The participants’ subsequent evaluation of the feedback revealed that using red in the feedback caused the feedback to be perceived as relatively less emotionally positive. There was no direct effect of using a red font in how the feedback was cognitively perceived (i.e., how helpful, fair, or comprehensible it was). However, preliminary evidence suggests that using a red font indirectly had an adverse effect on the cognitive feedback perception, mediated via the emotional feedback perception. As a practical implication, red should be used cautiously in critical feedback in order to avoid compromising the functions of feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Bertrams
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lea Althaus
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tina Boss
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Furrer
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ladina C. Jegher
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Soszynska
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Tschumi
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Jonauskaite D, Parraga CA, Quiblier M, Mohr C. Feeling Blue or Seeing Red? Similar Patterns of Emotion Associations With Colour Patches and Colour Terms. Iperception 2020; 11:2041669520902484. [PMID: 32117561 PMCID: PMC7027086 DOI: 10.1177/2041669520902484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
For many, colours convey affective meaning. Popular opinion assumes that perception of colour is crucial to influence emotions. However, scientific studies test colour-emotion relationships by presenting colours as patches or terms. When using patches, researchers put great effort into colour presentation. When using terms, researchers have much less control over the colour participants think of. In this between-subjects study, we tested whether emotion associations with colour differ between terms and patches. Participants associated 20 emotion concepts, loading on valence, arousal, and power dimensions, with 12 colours presented as patches (n = 54) or terms (n = 78). We report high similarity in the pattern of associations of specific emotion concepts with terms and patches (r = .82), for all colours except purple (r = .-23). We also observed differences for black, which is associated with more negative emotions and of higher intensity when presented as a term than a patch. Terms and patches differed little in terms of valence, arousal, and power dimensions. Thus, results from studies on colour-emotion relationships using colour terms or patches should be largely comparable. It is possible that emotions are associated with colour concepts rather than particular perceptions or words of colour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christine Mohr
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Kim Y. The Influence of Color on Brand Extension: Mediation Role of Processing Style. JAPANESE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jpr.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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12
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Abstract
Performance asymmetries in colour discrimination (or detection) between visual fields (VFs) are typically examined using mean or median reaction times and have tended to yield either a left VF advantage for all colours (i.e., lower reaction times) or no difference for any colour, although a right VF advantage has also been reported. We used a novel colour identification task in which participants simply identified the colour of a laterally presented rectangle (i.e., red or blue). A measure of priming effects - but not mean or median reaction times - revealed a VF × colour interaction across a pilot study and two experiments; priming for red versus blue stimuli was greater in the left VF and priming for blue stimuli was greater in the right versus left VF. Two plausible psychological explanations of this interaction are offered, including the potential generation of approach and avoidance motivations and different emotional responses to blue versus red stimuli. Future work will be needed, but the current findings indicate that the left and right hemispheres are differentially primed by different colours - the right hemisphere is primed to a greater extent by red stimuli, and the left hemisphere is primed more by blue stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John J Seta
- b Department of Psychology , The University of North Carolina at Greensboro , Greensboro , NC , USA
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13
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Netchaeva E, Kouchaki M. The Woman in Red: Examining the Effect of Ovulatory Cycle on Women’s Perceptions of and Behaviors Toward Other Women. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2018; 44:1180-1200. [DOI: 10.1177/0146167218764655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that during her monthly peak fertile window, a woman competes with other women for a suitable mate. Drawing upon research on ovulation and socially constructed meanings of the color red, we examine how a woman’s fertility status and red clothing worn by a target woman change perceptions of the target, as well as behaviors toward the target. Following previous research on the ovulatory status and color red effects, we rely on both hormonal and self-reported fertility data. Across six studies, our research fails to provide support for the prediction that an ovulating woman is less likely to trust another woman wearing red compared with a nonovulating woman.
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Kombeiz O, Steidle A. Facilitation of creative performance by using blue and red accent lighting in work and learning areas. ERGONOMICS 2018; 61:456-463. [PMID: 28662616 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2017.1349940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Research has shown that colours influence motivation and cognitive performance. In achievement contexts, red evokes avoidance motivation that hinders creativity, while blue elicits an approach motivation that facilitates creativity. However, due to their position and mode of presentation, colours may convey a different message. Red accent lighting creates a cosy, friendly room atmosphere that may, even in an achievement context, elicit an approach rather than an avoidance motivation. Results (N = 146) showed that both blue and red accent light increased strategic approach motivation compared to white accent light. Moreover, through the heightened approach motivation, colourful accent light indirectly improved creative performance. Implications for future research on colour and practical implications for colour usage are discussed. Practitioner Summary: Designing work environments for creativity is a new topic in ergonomics research and practice. The present study demonstrates indirect effects of coloured accent light on creativity providing interesting possibilities for the design of workplaces for knowledge workers, classrooms and all other rooms in which people work on new ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kombeiz
- a Business and Organisational Psychology , University of Hohenheim , Stuttgart , Germany
| | - Anna Steidle
- b Management and Law , Ludwigsburg University of Applied Sciences , Ludwigsburg , Germany
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15
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Kim YJ, Song SY. The Effect of Mental Simulation (Process- Versus Outcome-Focus) on Extension Evaluation:A Bipolarized Fit Perception. JAPANESE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jpr.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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16
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Blizzard S, Fierro-Rojas A, Fallah M. Response Inhibition Is Facilitated by a Change to Red Over Green in the Stop Signal Paradigm. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 10:655. [PMID: 28101011 PMCID: PMC5209377 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Actions are informed by the complex interactions of response execution and inhibition networks. These networks integrate sensory information with internal states and behavioral goals to produce an appropriate action or to update an ongoing action. Recent investigations have shown that, behaviorally, attention is captured through a hierarchy of colors. These studies showed how the color hierarchy affected visual processing. To determine whether the color hierarchy can be extended to higher level executive functions such as response execution and inhibition, we conducted several experiments using the stop-signal task (SST). In the first experiment, we modified the classic paradigm so that the go signals could vary in task-irrelevant color, with an auditory stop signal. We found that the task-irrelevant color of the go signals did not differentially affect response times. In the second experiment we determined that making the color of the go signal relevant for response selection still did not affect reaction times(RTs) and, thus, execution. In the third experiment, we modified the paradigm so that the stop signal was a task relevant change in color of the go signal. The mean RT to the red stop signal was approximately 25 ms faster than to the green stop signal. In other words, red stop signals facilitated response inhibition more than green stop signals, however, there was no comparative facilitation of response execution. These findings suggest that response inhibition, but not execution, networks are sensitive to differences in color salience. They also suggest that the color hierarchy is based on attentional networks and not simply on early sensory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Blizzard
- Visual Attention and Perception Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York UniversityToronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Vision Research, York UniversityToronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adriela Fierro-Rojas
- Department of Psychology, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Puebla, Mexico
| | - Mazyar Fallah
- Visual Attention and Perception Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York UniversityToronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Vision Research, York UniversityToronto, ON, Canada
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Peperkoorn LS, Roberts SC, Pollet TV. Revisiting the Red Effect on Attractiveness and Sexual Receptivity: No Effect of the Color Red on Human Mate Preferences. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 14:1474704916673841. [PMCID: PMC10630698 DOI: 10.1177/1474704916673841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Color-in-context theory is the first theoretical framework for understanding color effects in human mate preferences, arguing that red clothing enhances attractiveness ratings. Here we present three empirical studies failing to support this prediction. We aimed to extend the current literature by differentiating color effects by temporal context (short-term vs. long-term mating). Experiment 1 involved Dutch participants rating a woman in red, white, and black on (sexual) attractiveness. Experiment 2 replicated the first experiment with an American sample. In the final experiment, we aimed to replicate a study that did find evidence of a red effect, using a substantially larger sample size. The results from each of the three studies (totaling N = 830 men) fail to support the red effect. We discuss the implications of our results and avenues for future research on red effects and attractiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard S. Peperkoorn
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S. Craig Roberts
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Thomas V. Pollet
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Buechner VL, Maier MA. Not always a matter of context: direct effects of red on arousal but context-dependent moderations on valence. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2515. [PMID: 27703858 PMCID: PMC5045874 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The arousal theory of color proposes that red is associated with arousal. Research on the color-in-context theory, in turn, states that the context in which red is perceived influences its valence-related meaning and behavioral responses to it. This study faces and integrates these theories by examining the influence of red on both arousal and valence perceptions of test-relevant and neutral stimuli, rendering a color 2 (red vs. blue) × context 2 (test vs. neutral) between-subjects design. Participants rated different pictures regarding their arousal and valence component, respectively. In line with the assumptions of both theories, red increased arousal perceptions of stimuli irrespective of their valence but a context × color interaction was found for valence perceptions: for participants viewing test-relevant pictures, red increased their perceptions of negativity compared to neutral pictures. The present study shows that both theories are actually compatible when differentiating the arousal and valence component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L Buechner
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Munich , Germany
| | - Markus A Maier
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München , Munich , Germany
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19
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Chantal Y, Bernache-Assollant I. Yellow and social perceptions of racing cyclists' sportspersonship: Proposing an inter-contextual analysis. J Sports Sci 2016; 35:525-530. [PMID: 27088509 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1175654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Through inter-contextual designs, the present set of experiments sought to explore whether the colour yellow would impact on social perceptions of sportspersonship exclusively in relation to competitive cycling. In Experiment 1 (N = 149), a silhouette image of a cyclist on a yellow background yielded lower perceptions of sportspersonship in comparison to grey or to the context of motocross, regardless of the colour. That interaction was conceptually replicated in Experiment 2 (N = 146) while changing measures (i.e., adaptation of the World Anti-Doping Code) and the context of comparison to sprinting. Furthermore, female and male observers' scores did not differ significantly thereby suggesting that yellow impacted on perceived sportspersonship similarly across gender. On the whole, those findings suggest that yellow can generate negative impressions of racing cyclists because, with years, this colour took on a meaning of opportunism from frequent pairings with doping. We close with discussing a number of limitations and future research avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Chantal
- a Faculty of Sciences , Université de Limoges , Limoges , France
| | - Iouri Bernache-Assollant
- b Techniques of Marketing Department , Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC) , Dijon , France
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20
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Pek J, Hoyle RH. On the (In)Validity of Tests of Simple Mediation: Threats and Solutions. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2016; 10:150-163. [PMID: 26985234 DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mediation analysis is a popular framework for identifying underlying mechanisms in social psychology. In the context of simple mediation, we review and discuss the implications of three facets of mediation analysis: (a) conceptualization of the relations between the variables, (b) statistical approaches, and (c) relevant elements of design. We also highlight the issue of equivalent models that are inherent in simple mediation. The extent to which results are meaningful stem directly from choices regarding these three facets of mediation analysis. We conclude by discussing how mediation analysis can be better applied to examine causal processes, highlight the limits of simple mediation, and make recommendations for better practice.
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Brooker A, Franklin A. The effect of colour on children's cognitive performance. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 86:241-55. [PMID: 26699452 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of red appears to hamper adults' cognitive performance relative to other colours (see Elliot & Maier, 2014, Ann. Rev. Psychol. 65, 95). AIMS AND SAMPLE Here, we investigate whether colour affects cognitive performance in 8- and 9-year-olds. METHOD Children completed a battery of tasks once in the presence of a coloured screen that was one of eight colours and once in the presence of a grey screen. Performance was assessed for each colour relative to the grey baseline, and differences across colours were compared. RESULTS We find a significant difference in performance across colours, with significantly worse performance in the presence of red than grey. The effect of colour did not significantly interact with task. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that colour can affect children's cognitive performance and that there is a detrimental effect of red. Findings are related to the adult literature and implications for educational contexts are discussed.
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Abstract
Abstract. Research has shown that subtle stimuli and action can elicit approach and avoidance motivational states. In separate literatures, both the color red and enacting avoidance behavior have been hypothesized to evoke avoidance motivation. The purpose of the present research was to both replicate and empirically integrate prior work on red and enacted avoidance behavior. This was done by testing them together within the same paradigms in two experiments, one on anagram performance and the other on local-relative-to-global processing. Both experiments replicated prior research in each literature, with red and enacted avoidance behavior producing comparable effects across both experiments. Implications of the findings for the two literatures are discussed.
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Reutner L, Genschow O, Wänke M. The adaptive eater: Perceived healthiness moderates the effect of the color red on consumption. Food Qual Prefer 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Gnambs T, Appel M, Kaspar K. The effect of the color red on encoding and retrieval of declarative knowledge. LEARNING AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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25
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Abstract
In many situations red is associated with hazard and danger. As a consequence, it was expected that task-irrelevant color cues in online environments would affect risk-taking behaviors. This assumption was tested in two web-based experiments. The first study (N = 383) demonstrated that in risky choice dilemmas respondents preferred the less risky option when the displayed university logo was in red (versus gray); but only when both choice alternatives were at least moderately risky. The second study (N = 144) replicated these results with a behavioral outcome: Respondents showed more cautious behavior in a web-based game when the focal stimuli were colored red (versus blue). Together, these findings demonstrate that variations in the color design of a computerized environment affect risk taking: Red color leads to more conservative choices and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Gnambs
- Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Markus Appel
- Psychology Department, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
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Bertrams A, Baumeister RF, Englert C, Furley P. Ego depletion in color priming research: self-control strength moderates the detrimental effect of red on cognitive test performance. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2015; 41:311-22. [PMID: 25567999 DOI: 10.1177/0146167214564968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Colors have been found to affect psychological functioning. Empirical evidence suggests that, in test situations, brief perceptions of the color red or even the word "red" printed in black ink prime implicit anxious responses and consequently impair cognitive performance. However, we propose that this red effect depends on people's momentary capacity to exert control over their prepotent responses (i.e., self-control). In three experiments (Ns = 66, 78, and 130), first participants' self-control strength was manipulated. Participants were then primed with the color or word red versus gray prior to completing an arithmetic test or an intelligence test. As expected, self-control strength moderated the red effect. While red had a detrimental effect on performance of participants with depleted self-control strength (ego depletion), it did not affect performance of participants with intact self-control strength. We discuss implications of the present findings within the current debate on the robustness of priming results.
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Schüler J, Brandstätter V, Baumann N. Effects of Implicit Failure Priming on Cognitive and Motor Performance in Elementary School Children. SWISS JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1024/1421-0185/a000154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Previous research showed that failure primes in academic learning contexts can impair the performance of both older school children and college students. The present research tested the effect of failure priming on cognitive and motor performance in elementary school children. We hypothesized that children incidentally confronted with a cue previously learned to indicate failure would perform worse on a cognitive task (Study 1, N = 54 second-graders) and a motor task (Study 2, N = 60 third-graders) than children confronted with a cue indicating success or children in a control group. The results showed that the failure prime group performed worse than the success prime group on an intelligence test (Study 1) and a ball-throwing exercise (Study 2). Neither experimental group differed from the control group. Our studies confirmed previous findings, showing that failure primes can be learned early in life and quickly (e.g., 1 year of failure prime exposure, Study 1). Furthermore, even a one-trial learning process (Study 2) suffices to turn an inherently neutral cue into a failure prime. This failure prime, in turn, can impair different types of performance such as cognitive and motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schüler
- Department of Sport Science, University of Bern, Switzerland
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29
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Roskes M. Constraints that Help or Hinder Creative Performance: A Motivational Approach. CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/caim.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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30
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Buechner VL, Maier MA, Lichtenfeld S, Schwarz S. Red - take a closer look. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108111. [PMID: 25254380 PMCID: PMC4177848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Color research has shown that red is associated with avoidance of threat (e.g., failure) or approach of reward (e.g., mating) depending on the context in which it is perceived. In the present study we explored one central cognitive process that might be involved in the context dependency of red associations. According to our theory, red is supposed to highlight the relevance (importance) of a goal-related stimulus and correspondingly intensifies the perceivers' attentional reaction to it. Angry and happy human compared to non-human facial expressions were used as goal-relevant stimuli. The data indicate that the color red leads to enhanced attentional engagement to angry and happy human facial expressions (compared to neutral ones) - the use of non-human facial expressions does not bias attention. The results are discussed with regard to the idea that red induced attentional biases might explain the red-context effects on motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L. Buechner
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Markus A. Maier
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Munich, Germany
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31
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Bakker I, van der Voordt T, Vink P, de Boon J. The use of questionnaires in colour research in real-life settings: in search of validity and methodological pitfalls. THEORETICAL ISSUES IN ERGONOMICS SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/1463922x.2013.815287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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32
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Gil S, Le Bigot L. Seeing life through positive-tinted glasses: color-meaning associations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104291. [PMID: 25098167 PMCID: PMC4123920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing body of literature to show that color can convey information, owing to its emotionally meaningful associations. Most research so far has focused on negative hue–meaning associations (e.g., red) with the exception of the positive aspects associated with green. We therefore set out to investigate the positive associations of two colors (i.e., green and pink), using an emotional facial expression recognition task in which colors provided the emotional contextual information for the face processing. In two experiments, green and pink backgrounds enhanced happy face recognition and impaired sad face recognition, compared with a control color (gray). Our findings therefore suggest that because green and pink both convey positive information, they facilitate the processing of emotionally congruent facial expressions (i.e., faces expressing happiness) and interfere with that of incongruent facial expressions (i.e., faces expressing sadness). Data also revealed a positive association for white. Results are discussed within the theoretical framework of emotional cue processing and color meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Gil
- University of Poitiers and CNRS (CeRCA, UMR 7295), Poitiers, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Ludovic Le Bigot
- University of Poitiers and CNRS (CeRCA, UMR 7295), Poitiers, France
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33
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Shi J, Zhang C, Jiang F. Does red undermine individuals' intellectual performance? A test in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 50:81-4. [PMID: 25611931 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous research shows that red impairs individuals' performance on challenging intellectual tasks in achievement situations. However, no research to date has examined this issue in Chinese society. In China, red has a positive connotation in general (unlike in the West), but also has a negative connotation for students, given that teachers mark incorrect answers in red (like in the West). Therefore, the question of whether red promotes or undermines intellectual performance for Chinese individuals needs to be tested. The present research investigated this and found, consistent with findings obtained in the West, that red undermined the intellectual performance of Chinese students. Future directions and potential mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Shi
- Department of Psychology, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, China
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34
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Rook L. Exposure to the Color Red Enhances Creative Thinking Depending on Appetitive-Aversive Cues. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2014.873672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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35
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Zhang T, Han B. Experience reverses the red effect among Chinese stockbrokers. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89193. [PMID: 24586587 PMCID: PMC3933460 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has shown that the color red influences psychological functioning. Red is hypothesized to be linked to aggression and danger in evolution, and these links are enhanced by culture-specific uses of red. Thus, color meanings are thought to be grounded in biologically based proclivities and learned associations. However, to date, there has been no direct evidence for the influence of experience on the red effect. This study focused on whether experience could change the psychological effects of the color red. In the context of the Chinese stock market, contrary to the meaning generally associated with red as negative and green as positive, red represents a rise in stock price and green stands for a decrease. An experiment using a 2×2 between subjects factorial design demonstrated that red (compared with green) impaired Chinese college students’ performance on an IQ test (in accordance with the red effect), but the opposite effect was found among stockbrokers. These results provide direct evidence of learned color meanings, in support of the general model of color effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Buxin Han
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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36
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Greenlees IA, Eynon M, Thelwell RC. Color of soccer goalkeepers' uniforms influences the outcome of penalty kicks. Percept Mot Skills 2014; 117:1043-52. [PMID: 24422335 DOI: 10.2466/30.24.pms.117x14z6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the proposition that competing against red-clad opponents hinders the performance of soccer (football) athletes. 40 experienced players took 10 penalty kicks against a goalkeeper wearing a black jersey and, 1 week later, took 10 penalty kicks against a goalkeeper wearing either a red, green, blue, or yellow jersey. Prior to each set of kicks, participants reported their expectancy of success. Players facing red-clad goalkeepers scored on fewer penalty kicks than those facing either blue- or green-clad goalkeepers, but no differences in expectancy of success emerged. The findings indicate that athletes wearing red may have an advantage over their opponents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain A Greenlees
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, College Lane, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6PE, UK.
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37
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Eagle MN. The implications of conceptual critiques and empirical research on unconscious processes for psychoanalytic theory. Psychoanal Rev 2013; 100:881-917. [PMID: 24325185 DOI: 10.1521/prev.2013.100.6.881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper examines the implications of conceptual critiques and empirical research on psychoanalytic formulations of unconscious processes. Different conceptions of unconscious processes and states are discussed: as markers for brain states, as unformulated and not-spelled-out fleeting experiences, and as implicit knowledge. The author notes and discusses the interpersonal and interactional aspects of unconscious processes in classical theory as well as in contemporary formulations. Representative examples of empirical research on unconscious processes are presented and their implications for psychoanalytic conceptions are examined. The author then discusses the conception of unconscious processes that emerges in view of conceptual critiques, empirical research findings, and clinical phenomena. Finally, the emphasis of both early and late Freudian theory on integration of various aspects of the personality rather than (or at least in addition to) on conscious versus unconscious is noted, and various ways of understanding what it means to make the unconscious conscious are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morris N Eagle
- 4351 Redwood Ave., Unit 1, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292-6428. E-mail:
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38
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Abstract
Background: A remarkable series of recent papers have shown that colour can influence performance in cognitive tasks. In particular, they suggest that viewing a participant number printed in red ink or other red ancillary stimulus elements improves performance in tasks requiring local processing and impedes performance in tasks requiring global processing whilst the reverse is true for the colour blue. The tasks in these experiments require high level cognitive processing such as analogy solving or remote association tests and the chromatic effect on local vs. global processing is presumed to involve widespread activation of the autonomic nervous system. If this is the case, we might expect to see similar effects on all local vs. global task comparisons. To test this hypothesis, we asked whether chromatic cues also influence performance in tasks involving low level visual feature integration. Methods: Subjects performed either local (contrast detection) or global (form detection) tasks on achromatic dynamic Glass pattern stimuli. Coloured instructions, target frames and fixation points were used to attempt to bias performance to different task types. Based on previous literature, we hypothesised that red cues would improve performance in the (local) contrast detection task but would impede performance in the (global) form detection task. Results: A two-way, repeated measures, analysis of covariance (2×2 ANCOVA) with gender as a covariate, revealed no influence of colour on either task,
F(1,29) = 0.289,
p = 0.595,
partial η
2 = 0.002. Additional analysis revealed no significant differences in only the first attempts of the tasks or in the improvement in performance between trials. Discussion: We conclude that motivational processes elicited by colour perception do not influence neuronal signal processing in the early visual system, in stark contrast to their putative effects on processing in higher areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pedley
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Alex R Wade
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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39
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Greenlees IA, Eynon M, Thelwell RC. COLOR OF SOCCER GOALKEEPERS' UNIFORMS INFLUENCES THE OUTCOME OF PENALTY KICKS 1. Percept Mot Skills 2013. [DOI: 10.2466/30.24.pms.116.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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40
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Elliot AJ, Maier MA. Color psychology: effects of perceiving color on psychological functioning in humans. Annu Rev Psychol 2013; 65:95-120. [PMID: 23808916 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Color is a ubiquitous perceptual stimulus that is often considered in terms of aesthetics. Here we review theoretical and empirical work that looks beyond color aesthetics to the link between color and psychological functioning in humans. We begin by setting a historical context for research in this area, particularly highlighting methodological issues that hampered earlier empirical work. We proceed to overview theoretical and methodological advances during the past decade and conduct a review of emerging empirical findings. Our empirical review focuses especially on color in achievement and affiliation/attraction contexts, but it also covers work on consumer behavior as well as food and beverage evaluation and consumption. The review clearly shows that color can carry important meaning and can have an important impact on people's affect, cognition, and behavior. The literature remains at a nascent stage of development, however, and we note that considerable work on boundary conditions, moderators, and real-world generalizability is needed before strong conceptual statements and recommendations for application are warranted. We provide suggestions for future research and conclude by emphasizing the broad promise of research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Elliot
- Department of Clinical and Social Sciences in Psychology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627;
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41
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Schüler J, Brandstätter V, Baumann N. Failure cue priming and impaired cognitive performance-analyses of avoidance motivation as a mediator and fear of failure as a moderator. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicola Baumann
- Department of Psychology; University of Trier; Trier; Germany
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42
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Abstract
Young people appear to have relatively little motivation to participate in flu-vaccination programs. This study assessed the effectiveness of online banners in efforts to persuade young people to get vaccinated. Specifically, a 2 × 3 between-subjects factorial design was used to examine the effects of message framing (gain vs loss) and color configuration (white text on a red background, black text on a yellow background, and white text on a blue background) on 180 college students' perceptions of the persuasiveness of flu-vaccination promotional banners. Each participant completed a four-item questionnaire, and the results of an analysis of variance showed that persuasiveness scores were higher among participants exposed to a loss-framed than to a gain-framed message, but only when the loss-framed message was presented in white text on a red background. The theoretical and practical implications of manipulating these two factors in the development of effective health-promotion materials are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hung Chien
- Department of Technology Application and Human Resource Development, National Taiwan Normal University
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43
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Schuldt JP. Does green mean healthy? Nutrition label color affects perceptions of healthfulness. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2013; 28:814-821. [PMID: 23444895 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2012.725270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The food industry has recently implemented numerous front-of-package nutrition labels to readily convey key aspects a food product's nutritional profile to consumers (e.g., calories and fat content). Although seemingly well-intentioned, such labels might lead consumers to perceive relatively poor nutrition foods in a healthier light. The present research explores whether one underresearched aspect of nutrition labels-namely, their color-might influence perceptions of a product's healthfulness. In Study 1, participants perceived a candy bar as healthier when it bore a green rather than a red calorie label, despite the fact that the labels conveyed the same calorie content. Study 2 examined the perceived healthfulness of a candy bar bearing a green versus white calorie label and assessed individual differences in the importance of healthy eating. Overall, results suggest that green labels increase perceived healthfulness, especially among consumers who place high importance on healthy eating. Discussion focuses on implications for health-related judgment and nutrition labeling.
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Akers A, Barton J, Cossey R, Gainsford P, Griffin M, Micklewright D. Visual color perception in green exercise: positive effects on mood and perceived exertion. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:8661-6. [PMID: 22857379 DOI: 10.1021/es301685g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Positive effects of green exercise on physical and psychological wellbeing have been found, yet little is known about the underlying cognitive mechanisms responsible for such effects. The purpose of this visual sensation study was to establish the extent to which the color green, as a primitive visual feature of many natural environments, contributes to the green exercise effect. Fourteen participants performed three moderate-intensity 5-min cycling tasks (50% peak power output) while watching video footage of a rural cycling course that simulated cycling through a real natural environment. The three randomly counter-balanced video conditions were unedited (V(GREEN)), achromatic (V(GRAY)) or red filter (V(RED)). Lower total mood disturbance and ratings of perceived exertion were found during the V(GREEN) compared to V(GRAY) and V(RED). Feelings of anger were higher after V(RED) compared to the other conditions. Feelings of tension, depression, fatigue, vigor, and confusion did not differ among conditions. This is the first study to show that the color green, as a primitive feature of visual sensation, has a contributory effect toward positive green exercise outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Akers
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
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46
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Meier BP, D'Agostino PR, Elliot AJ, Maier MA, Wilkowski BM. Color in context: psychological context moderates the influence of red on approach- and avoidance-motivated behavior. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40333. [PMID: 22808136 PMCID: PMC3394796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A basic premise of the recently proffered color-in-context model is that the influence of color on psychological functioning varies as a function of the psychological context in which color is perceived. Some research has examined the appetitive and aversive implications of viewing the color red in romance- and achievement-relevant contexts, respectively, but in all existing empirical work approach and avoidance behavior has been studied in separate tasks and separate experiments. Research is needed to directly test whether red influences the same behavior differently depending entirely on psychological context. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The present experiment was designed to put this premise to direct test in romance- and achievement-relevant contexts within the same experimental paradigm involving walking behavior. Our results revealed that exposure to red (but not blue) indeed has differential implications for walking behavior as a function of the context in which the color is perceived. Red increased the speed with which participants walked to an ostensible interview about dating (a romance-relevant context), but decreased the speed with which they walked to an ostensible interview about intelligence (an achievement-relevant context). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results are the first direct evidence that the influence of red on psychological functioning in humans varies by psychological context. Our findings contribute to both the literature on color psychology and the broader, emerging literature on the influence of context on basic psychological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Meier
- Department of Psychology, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
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47
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Johns SE, Hargrave LA, Newton-Fisher NE. Red is not a proxy signal for female genitalia in humans. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34669. [PMID: 22493709 PMCID: PMC3321031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Red is a colour that induces physiological and psychological effects in humans, affecting competitive and sporting success, signalling and enhancing male social dominance. The colour is also associated with increased sexual attractiveness, such that women associated with red objects or contexts are regarded as more desirable. It has been proposed that human males have a biological predisposition towards the colour red such that it is 'sexually salient'. This hypothesis argues that women use the colour red to announce impending ovulation and sexual proceptivity, with this functioning as a proxy signal for genital colour, and that men show increased attraction in consequence. In the first test of this hypothesis, we show that contrary to the hypothesis, heterosexual men did not prefer redder female genitalia and, by extension, that red is not a proxy signal for genital colour. We found a relative preference for pinker genital images with redder genitalia rated significantly less sexually attractive. This effect was independent of raters' prior sexual experience and variation in female genital morphology. Our results refute the hypothesis that men's attraction to red is linked to an implied relationship to genital colour and women's signalling of fertility and sexual proceptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Johns
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom.
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48
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Lichtenfeld S, Elliot AJ, Maier MA, Pekrun R. Fertile green: green facilitates creative performance. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2012; 38:784-97. [PMID: 22427383 DOI: 10.1177/0146167212436611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present research sought to extend the nascent literature on color and psychological functioning by examining whether perception of the color green facilitates creativity. In four experiments, we demonstrated that a brief glimpse of green prior to a creativity task enhances creative performance. This green effect was observed using both achromatic (white, gray) and chromatic (red, blue) contrast colors that were carefully matched on nonhue properties, and using both picture-based and word-based assessments of creativity. Participants were not aware of the purpose of the experiment, and null effects were obtained on participants' self-reported mood and positive activation. These findings indicate that green has implications beyond aesthetics and suggest the need for sustained empirical work on the functional meaning of green.
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49
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50
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Jalil NA, Yunus RM, Said NS. Environmental Colour Impact upon Human Behaviour: A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.02.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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