Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


osu1243700820.pdf (465.54 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The attributional model of priming: A single mechanism account of construal, behavior, and goal priming

Loersch, Chris
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243700820

Abstract Details

2009, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology.
In this work I propose an attributional model of priming and provide three sets of studies testing basic predictions of this account. Although past theory has conceptualized construal, behavior, and goal priming as arising from separate processes, this model accounts for all with a single mechanism. In particular, I propose that these three outcomes all result when the information made accessible by priming biases a basic inference process. The model assumes that primes cause no default effects, but instead produce general construct accessibility. This accessibility then becomes capable of producing an observable priming effect when it is misattributed to one’s natural response towards some aspect of the situation. Once this occurs, the prime-related mental content can serve as information for answering whatever implicit question is afforded by the focal aspect of the current situation. The exact focal target and the implicit question it presents determine the outcome of this process. If one judges another person or object, this affords the implicit question “Who/What is that?” and construal priming can result. If one focuses on their behavioral options, this presents the implicit question “What will I do?” and behavior priming can result. And finally, if one attempts to determine their current motivational state, this affords the implicit question “What do I want?” and goal priming can result. Critically, these effects will only occur if the information made accessible by priming is perceived as relevant and diagnostic for answering the afforded implicit question. The studies I present provide evidence for some of the most basic aspects of this model. In particular, I demonstrate that primes are more likely to influence judgments and behavior when they are misattributed to one’s natural response to the situation and that priming effects emerge through a process in which prime-related content is used to answer the implicit question presented by the current object of focus. In line with the model’s predictions, the type of effect which emerges from priming appears to differ across targets of focus due to the different implicit questions they afford.
Richard Petty, PhD (Advisor)
Russell Fazio, PhD (Committee Member)
Kentaro Fujita, PhD (Committee Member)
93 p.
Psychology; Social Psychology
priming; automaticity; construal priming; behavior priming; goal priming; attribution; social cognition

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Loersch, C. (2009). The attributional model of priming: A single mechanism account of construal, behavior, and goal priming [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243700820

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Loersch, Chris. The attributional model of priming: A single mechanism account of construal, behavior, and goal priming. 2009. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243700820.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Loersch, Chris. "The attributional model of priming: A single mechanism account of construal, behavior, and goal priming." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243700820

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1243700820
965
© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.