Does Minimal Inconsistency Evoke Negative Affect? Report From Three Studies Using an Implicit Measure of Emotion

Abstract

From cognitive dissonance theory to the meaning maintenance model, most cognitive consistency models suggest that the detection of an inconsistency evokes negative affect. However, there is no consensus on the minimal conditions that are necessary for the occurrence of negative affect. In three studies, we tested whether exposure to minimal inconsistencies, that is, inconsistencies that involve very few cognitions, evokes negative affect. Negative affect was assessed by using an implicit method inspired by the Implicit Positive and Negative Attitude Test. Neither exposure to incorrect basic equations (Study 1, N = 91) nor exposure to Thatcher illusions (Study 2; N = 120) nor exposure to colour-reversed playing cards (Study 3, N = 94) resulted in increased negative affect. An internal meta-analysis of the three studies confirms a likely absence of negative affect (Cohen’s d = 0.05). This absence suggests that more than minimal inconsistency is needed for inconsistency to evoke negative affect. We discuss the likely requirements and the role of negative affect in the cognitive consistency process.