Mere Exposure Effect Research Articles

Absolute versus Relative Poverty and Wealth: Cooperation in the Presence of Between-Group Inequality

Abstract While inequality in resource endowments has been shown to affect cooperation levels in groups, much of this evidence comes from studies of within-group inequality. In an online public goods experiment, we instead examine the effects of payoff-irrelevant inequality in resources between groups on cooperation within equal groups, i.e. the effect of mere exposure to inequality. When all groups are poor or rich, their contribution behaviour is very similar. Relative inequality, when poor and rich groups coexist, leads to lower contributions in rich groups. We find suggestive evidence that this may be related to stereotypes about the rich contributing less than the poor.

Prior brief meditation reduces distractor inhibition during cognitive interference.

Mindfulness meditation, comprising focused attention and open monitoring meditations, has been shown to enhance performance on cognitive interference tasks. While this enhancement has been considered not to result from distractor inhibition, no empirical evidence has been provided through behavioral data. In this study, we investigated whether 30-min interventions of focused attention and open monitoring meditations could reduce distractor inhibition in 72 meditation-naïve participants divided into focused attention meditation, open monitoring meditation, and control groups. We employed a task set that combined a cognitive interference task with subsequent preference judgment and surprise recognition tasks, utilizing the mere exposure effect paradigm, along with state and trait questionnaires. The mere exposure effect shows that repeated exposure to face images increases one's preference for them. However, this effect is reduced if participants consciously or unconsciously try to inhibit the face images during stimulus processing. In the cognitive interference task, they judged the direction of the letter superimposed on a distractor face image. In the subsequent preference judgment task, they were asked to rate the preference of face images, half of which were presented in the interference task and the remaining half were not presented. We hypothesized that inhibiting face images presented as distractors would lead to a decrease in preference for them. We found that the mere exposure effect was observed in focused attention meditation and open monitoring meditation groups but not in the control group, indicating that compared to the control, focused attention and open monitoring meditations reduce inhibition processes for distractors during cognitive interference tasks. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the intensity of the mere exposure effect and state relaxation before the cognitive interference task as well as a negative correlation between the intensity of the mere exposure effect and state anxiety in the focused attention meditation group, but not in the open monitoring meditation group. This suggests that the processes of reducing inhibition in focused attention and open monitoring meditations differ. Our findings contribute to understanding the attentional mechanisms underlying mindfulness meditation during cognitive interference.

Enhancing Digital Health Engagement in Chronic Disease: The Role of Doctor-Patient Communication and Media Use in Acceptance of Digital Health Care Among End-Stage Kidney Disease Patients.

This study examines digital health challenges among end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients, a population characterized by older age, lower socioeconomic status, and limited access to modern technologies. Drawing from the Mere Exposure Effect, the Technology Acceptance Model, and insights from doctor-patient communication literature, our study implemented a month-long intervention across three distinct groups. The Digital Media Exposure Group watched doctor-recommended videos on YouTube using a tablet PC twice weekly for four weeks. The Digital Media Exposure with Doctor-Patient Communication Group engaged in physician-led discussions about the viewed content during their medical visits in addition to the activities in the first group. The Control Group received printed medical information that mirrored the content of the videos. Participants in this study, all of whom were diagnosed with ESKD, were recruited from a university hospital in South Korea (n = 88, Mage = 64.8). Their perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding digital health care were measured and compared between groups. The results unveiled significant group differences [Wilk's Λ = 0.829, F(8, 164) = 2.02, p = 0.047, partial η2 = 0.090], with variations in attitudes, perceived ease of use, and intentions among groups, and effect sizes ranging from 0.069 to 0.096.These findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions to address digital health disparities, particularly among underserved demographic groups. Strategies that prioritize user-friendly interfaces and clear communication between doctors and patients are advocated to promote digital health engagement, ensuring equitable access and improved outcomes for patients with chronic disease.

Visioning sustainable futures: Exposure to positive visions increases individual and collective intention to act for a decarbonated world

A key factor for behavioural change, when individuals are already concerned by environmental crises, is individuals’ perception of how they could cope with such an issue in an effective way, as well as their perception of their ability to imagine environmental cognitive alternatives to the behavioural status quo. Is it possible to boost these perceptions through the presentation of positive visions of the future? In this experimental study (N = 300), we tested whether being exposed to positive visions of a decarbonated future influences individuals’ perceived ability to imagine environmental cognitive alternatives as well as their efficacy beliefs, and their intention to engage in climate change mitigation behaviour at an individual and collective level. More precisely, we compared the effects of being exposed to a positive vision focused on either eco-sufficiency or eco-efficiency through green technologies, to achieve the decarbonated world described (including also a control condition). Results confirmed that, regardless of the focus of the positive vision, being exposed to a positive vision is sufficient to increase individuals’ perceived ability to imagine the future, their perceived collective efficacy, and their intention to engage in individual pro-environmental consumption behaviours, technology-use behaviours, and collective behaviours. These findings explore and explain the psychological effects of mere exposure to positive visions on socio-cognitive determinants of behavioural change, which could become an effective strategy to motivate pro-environmental behavioural change in communication and education campaigns.

Scaffolding Strategy and Gender Influence in Learning Social Psychology Concepts

The concept of scaffolding has consistently been a widely explored subject in the field of educational psychology. Though a great number of research had been done in science education, there was little known about social science. To address this gap, the current study examined the interplay between gender and scaffolding on students learning of social psychology concepts. One hypothesis was that women would do better in understanding the target concept of the mere exposure effect than men did. Another hypothesis was that participants who were exposed to the scaffolding scenario designed to provide prior knowledge would be more resilient to learning the concept. In a sample of 47 young learners recruited online, aged from under 18 to 26, an anonymous online survey was used to test participants comprehension, and the results were interpreted using ANOVA analysis. Unfortunately, the results showed no significant effects of gender and scaffolding on participants understanding of the given concept. Further discussion about the possible influential factors and suggestions for future research were mentioned at the end.

Preference for Harmony: A Preference for Structural Simplicity, Familiarity, or Both?

The preference for harmony (PfH) has been posited to represent an individual difference in the preference for stimuli that are relatively simple, regular, and/or harmonious. We tested whether variations in PfH may also reflect the extent to which individuals prefer stimuli that are more familiar, irrespective of their structural features. To this end, we examined the association between PfH and two behavioral measures of the preference for familiarity, one based on individual differences in the strength of the mere-exposure effect and the other based on preferences for musical chords that appear more versus less frequently within Western musical corpora. Our results showed modest but reliable positive correlations between PfH and both measures. These findings qualify the original interpretation of PfH by suggesting that it at least partially reflects a predilection for stimuli that are more familiar, not just structurally simpler, more regular, and/or more harmonious.

Light wavelength and pulsing frequency affect avoidance responses of Canada geese.

Collisions between birds and aircraft cause bird mortality, economic damage, and aviation safety hazards. One proposed solution to increasing the distance at which birds detect and move away from an approaching aircraft, ultimately mitigating the probability of collision, is through onboard lighting systems. Lights in vehicles have been shown to lead to earlier reactions in some bird species but they could also generate attraction, potentially increasing the probability of collision. Using information on the visual system of the Canada goose (Branta canadensis), we developed light stimuli of high chromatic contrast to their eyes. We then conducted a controlled behavioral experiment (i.e., single-choice test) to assess the avoidance or attraction responses of Canada geese to LED lights of different wavelengths (blue, 483 nm; red, 631nm) and pulsing frequencies (steady, pulsing at 2 Hz). Overall, Canada geese tended to avoid the blue light and move towards the red light; however, these responses depended heavily on light exposure order. At the beginning of the experiment, geese tended to avoid the red light. After further exposure the birds developed an attraction to the red light, consistent with the mere exposure effect. The response to the blue light generally followed a U-shape relationship (avoidance, attraction, avoidance) with increasing number of exposures, again consistent with the mere exposure effect, but followed by the satiation effect. Lights pulsing at 2 Hz enhanced avoidance responses under high ambient light conditions; whereas steady lights enhanced avoidance responses under dim ambient light conditions. Our results have implications for the design of lighting systems aimed at mitigating collisions between birds and human objects. LED lights in the blue portion of the spectrum are good candidates for deterrents and lights in the red portion of the spectrum may be counterproductive given the attraction effects with increasing exposure. Additionally, consideration should be given to systems that automatically modify pulsing of the light depending on ambient light intensity to enhance avoidance.

Perception of Psychology Students on Cremation

This study explored the perception of Cremation from psychology students who have finished taking clinical psychology. It explores their views of Cremation and the factors behind those views. At the same time, provide an intervention plan. The study was primarily anchored by the Constructivist Theory of Perception by Richard Gregory (1970) and supported by the Mere Exposure Effect by Robert Zajonc (1968) and the Gateway Belief Model by Van der Linden (2019). In this qualitative study, a phenomenological research design was applied. The sixteen (16) participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. The researcher used a semi-structured questionnaire with an open-ended interview to gather data. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically through transcription of interviews, coding, significant statements, formed meanings, clustering themes, and emerging themes. Based on the analyzed data, it resulted in nineteen (9) emergent themes, which were divided into two (2) that offered results from the sub-problems. For the participants' views on Cremation, the emerging themes are Facial and Body Deformation, Expensive Process Fees, Clean Process, and Double Killing. For the factors that affect the participants; views on Cremation, the emerging themes are Lack of Knowledge on Cremation, Influence of Status Symbols, Influence of Religion and Tradition, Family and Financial Conflict, and Before Funeral Promise. This study's conclusions and recommendations were used to help the crematorium homes and the potential client. Thus, to further explore the cremation practice in the Philippines and how it affects an enormous scope and to make a more strategic action plan.

Is the mere exposure effect moderated by picky eating and food neophobia?

Is the mere exposure effect moderated by picky eating and food neophobia?

Does familiarity with an idea bias its evaluation?

Although many organizations strive for radical or disruptive new ideas, many fall short of their goals. We propose that a primary reason for this failure is rooted in the individuals responsible for innovation: while they seek novel ideas, they prefer familiar ones. While prior research shows that individuals are biased against ideas with high objective novelty, it has overlooked the role of subjective novelty, i.e., the extent to which an idea is novel or unfamiliar to an individual idea evaluator. In this paper, we investigate how such subjective familiarity with an idea shapes idea evaluation in innovation. Drawing on research from psychology and marketing on the mere exposure effect, we argue that familiarity with an idea positively affects the evaluation's outcome. We present two field studies and one laboratory study that support our hypothesis. This study contributes to the understanding of cognitive biases that affect innovation processes.

Letter labels and illusory correlation: infrequent letters bias reactions to the group

ABSTRACT A previously underappreciated factor, the specific letters used to label the groups, was found to influence the magnitude of the well-established illusory correlation (IC) effect . The typical IC effect of an association between the minority group and the rarer (negative) behavior was strong when the minority group was labeled with an infrequent letter (e.g. X, Z) and the majority group was labeled with a frequent letter (e.g. S, T), but the effect was eliminated (or reduced) with the reverse pairing of the majority group with an infrequent letter. The letter label effect was also found with the A and B labels most commonly used in this paradigm. The results were consistent with an explanation based on the affect associated with the letters due to the mere exposure effect. The findings reveal a previously unexplored way that the names for groups may influence stereotype formation, contribute to the debate on the mechanism underlying IC, and illustrate how arbitrarily chosen labels for groups and other objects in social research may bias processing in unexpected ways.

Overcoming Obesity in Adolescents: The Mere Exposure Effect and Sparkling Water

This study examined how increasing exposure of sparkling water to adolescents would affect their preference for sparkling water, with the value in exploring a substitution to sugar sweetened beverages that highly contribute to the adolescent obesity epidemic. Currently, adolescents have received minimal exposure to sparkling water and continue to consume unhealthy beverages that present themselves in their everyday lives through their schools, home environments, and activities. This study aimed to fill the gap within the Mere Exposure Effect realm where studies have not been conducted on sparkling water as a stimulus with adolescents. Preference survey ratings from 30 subjects over a ten day exposure period were collected to examine the effects that drinking one sparkling water daily had on participants' preference for them. The results from the preference rating showed that as a result of exposure, adolescents' preference of sparkling water experienced a statistically significant increase as a result of exposure. The results reinforced other studies’ findings that the Mere Exposure Effect increases preference as a result of exposure, and proved applicable to the new stimulus of sparkling water directed towards the population of American adolescents. The implications of exposure to sparkling water as a way to create healthier consumption habits for adolescents were discussed, with future research being directed towards finding which flavors would be most effective with implementation.

单纯呈现效应的理论综述

单纯呈现效应的理论综述

Open communication in immigrant families: the role of social media mental health exposure

Immigrant experiences in the U.S. can be particularly difficult, yet research indicates that family support and engagement on social networking sites with others who experience mental health issues can ameliorate their difficulties and improve psychological wellness. In order to determine what factors are related to immigrants’ mental health communication behaviors with family, we conducted a survey among U.S. immigrants (N = 331). Results indicated that social media mental health exposure (SMMHE) was positively related to open communication. Further, self-stigma mediates the relationship between SMMHE and open communication, providing evidence for the idea that the mere exposure effect can influence attitudes and behavior. As such, it is possible that exposure to mental health content on social media may positively influence offline communication behaviors.

THE EMBODIED FLUENCY MODEL: UNCANNINESS BETWEEN THE MERE-EXPOSURE EFFECT AND ANGST

Human beings can be said to naturally seek familiarity in their environment for survival purposes, and this can explain why the mere-exposure effect, where being merely exposed to external factors in our environment, can increase preference for these factors. Familiarity in this sense can thus be framed as important for affect and preference formation and considered built upon both the subjective process of fluency and the objects of experience being processed. The feeling of uncanniness is often considered the opposite of familiarity, yet within its semantic vicinity. By considering the term ‘uncanny’ as having a double meaning linked to both familiarity and unfamiliarity, however, this paper will show how this ambiguity allows for a semantic relatedness of this concept to process fluency rather than familiarity. This connection will in turn be shown to have ramifications for affect through the proposal of a fourth model of process fluency: The Embodied Fluency Model. Through consideration of Mori’s shinkawan, Freud’s notion of the uncanny, and Heidegger’s connection between uncanniness and Angst, an exploration into conceiving how fluency and uncanniness share attributes that allow for a different view on affect is propounded.

Investigating the mechanisms by which selective attention affects subsequent preferences and choice

In two experiments, we investigated two untested assumptions regarding the mechanism by which selective attention during search affects subsequent preferences for objects. First, we tested whether an increase in visual competition during search increases preferences for relevant objects and decreases preferences for irrelevant objects subsequent to search. Second, we tested whether searching for objects increases the perceived fluency to process relevant objects and decreases the perceived fluency to process irrelevant objects. Our results show that search can affect relevant and irrelevant objects differently. Selective attention increased preferences for target objects subsequent to search, whereas selective attention did not affect preferences for distractors. Furthermore, our results indicate that searching for a target object increased the perceived fluency for this target object during choice, whereas ignoring a distractor product blocked mere exposure effects. Contrary to assumptions made in previous research, we found no indication that the competition for visual resources during search is linked to preferences for targets or distractors.

Owning leads to valuing: Meta‐analysis of the mere ownership effect

AbstractMere ownership effect is the phenomenon that people tend to value what they own more than what they do not own. This classic effect is considered robust, yet effect sizes vary across studies, and the effect is often confused for or confounded with other classic phenomena, such as endowment or mere exposure effects. We conducted a pre‐registered meta‐analysis of 26 samples published before 2019 (N = 3024), which resulted in psychological ownership on valuing effect of g ∼ 0.57 [0.46, 0.69]. Suggestive moderator analyses supported the use of replica as the strongest moderators. Mere ownership effects were different from the null across all moderator categories and in most publication bias adjustments. We consider this as suggestive evidence that psychological owning leads to valuing, yet caution that much more research is needed. All materials, data, and codes are available on https://osf.io/fdyqw/.

Absence of a mere-exposure effect in older and younger adults.

The mere-exposure effect, in which repeated stimuli are liked more than novel stimuli, is a well-known effect. However, little research has studied adult age differences in mere-exposure effects, despite possible applications in helping older adults transition to new living environments. Here, we report four experiments assessing mere-exposure to neutral-face stimuli in groups of older and younger adult participants tested online. In each experiment, repeated face exposure did not increase liking within either age group; rather, Bayesian evidence favored the null hypothesis of no effect. Older adults reported higher overall liking ratings relative to younger adults, and both groups preferred younger faces, though this tendency was stronger in the younger group. Further exploratory analysis considering factors such as gender or race of the faces and participants did not reveal any consistent results for the mere-exposure effect. We discuss these findings in relation to other recent studies reporting mixed evidence for mere-exposure effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Functional Plasticity Coupled With Structural Predispositions in Auditory Cortex Shape Successful Music Category Learning.

Categorizing sounds into meaningful groups helps listeners more efficiently process the auditory scene and is a foundational skill for speech perception and language development. Yet, how auditory categories develop in the brain through learning, particularly for non-speech sounds (e.g., music), is not well understood. Here, we asked musically naïve listeners to complete a brief (∼20 min) training session where they learned to identify sounds from a musical interval continuum (minor-major 3rds). We used multichannel EEG to track behaviorally relevant neuroplastic changes in the auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) pre- to post-training. To rule out mere exposure-induced changes, neural effects were evaluated against a control group of 14 non-musicians who did not undergo training. We also compared individual categorization performance with structural volumetrics of bilateral Heschl’s gyrus (HG) from MRI to evaluate neuroanatomical substrates of learning. Behavioral performance revealed steeper (i.e., more categorical) identification functions in the posttest that correlated with better training accuracy. At the neural level, improvement in learners’ behavioral identification was characterized by smaller P2 amplitudes at posttest, particularly over right hemisphere. Critically, learning-related changes in the ERPs were not observed in control listeners, ruling out mere exposure effects. Learners also showed smaller and thinner HG bilaterally, indicating superior categorization was associated with structural differences in primary auditory brain regions. Collectively, our data suggest successful auditory categorical learning of music sounds is characterized by short-term functional changes (i.e., greater post-training efficiency) in sensory coding processes superimposed on preexisting structural differences in bilateral auditory cortex.

YouTube Influencers: A New Defense against Childhood Obesity?

ABSTRACT Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue. While advertising on children’s television has been established as a contributing factor to poor dietary habits, less is known regarding the influence of food promotions in social media. Thus, this 2-part exploratory study examined the content and effects of food promotions in YouTube. Our data revealed that fruits and vegetables are more likely to be promoted on this newer platform than in television advertising. Study 2 then revealed that exposure to a promotion for healthy food was associated with more positive evaluations of the food. However, neither judgments of appropriateness nor persuasion knowledge activation were significantly associated with evaluations of the healthy food. Thus, our findings did not support the use of the persuasion knowledge model in examining covert advertising of healthy foods to children and instead provides support for the mere exposure effect.