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THE BEHAVORIAL EFFECTS OF MERE EXPOSURE IN REPOSNSE TO AFFECTIVELY NEUTRAL AND NEGATIVELY VALENCED STIMULI

Young, Steven G

Abstract Details

2007, Master of Arts, Miami University, Psychology.
Past research within the mere-exposure paradigm has found that objects made familiar are preferred relative to novel, but otherwise evaluatively-equal, objects. However, little research has been conducted to explore how this phenomenon affects behavior. Additionally, few prior investigations have examined the effect of mere exposure on negatively-valenced stimuli. The current research investigated both of these issues. In this work, participants were asked to approach and avoid novel and familiar stimuli; some that humans perceive as neutral in valence, some that humans innately find negative or threatening (e.g., predatory animals), and some that humans have learned are negative or threatening (e.g., weapons). Results showed that approach behavior was facilitated by stimulus familiarity and that novel stimuli trended toward evoking avoidance behaviors. The type of stimulus did not moderate these effects. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Heather Claypool (Advisor)
29 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Young, S. G. (2007). THE BEHAVORIAL EFFECTS OF MERE EXPOSURE IN REPOSNSE TO AFFECTIVELY NEUTRAL AND NEGATIVELY VALENCED STIMULI [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1186791516

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Young, Steven. THE BEHAVORIAL EFFECTS OF MERE EXPOSURE IN REPOSNSE TO AFFECTIVELY NEUTRAL AND NEGATIVELY VALENCED STIMULI. 2007. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1186791516.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Young, Steven. "THE BEHAVORIAL EFFECTS OF MERE EXPOSURE IN REPOSNSE TO AFFECTIVELY NEUTRAL AND NEGATIVELY VALENCED STIMULI." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1186791516

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)