Keywords
valence and spatial elevation conguence
change task
s-r compatibility
How to Cite
Abstract
In three experiments (total N = 96), we investigated the origins of effects of associations between affective valence and spatial elevation (or verticality). To that end, we used a congruence measure. We used spatial and affective stimuli, like the words “up” and “happy”. Spatial stimuli had to be categorized as elevated or less elevated and affective stimuli as positive or negative. Critically, in congruent conditions, associated spatial and affective stimuli required the same response and less associated stimuli required different responses, whereas in incongruent conditions, associated spatial and affective stimuli required different responses, but less associated stimuli required the same response. The results supported the assumption that valence-elevation associations exist in semantic memory: faster responses in congruent than incongruent conditions were observed with (I) words (Experiments 1 and 2), (II) pictures and words (Experiment 3), and (III) increased as a function of the centrality of the spatial meaning for the spatial words (Experiments 1 vs. 2). We discuss the implications of our results for the Implicit Association Test (IAT).
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