DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP15.32
Authors: John McDowall and Jacqueline Wall
Abstract:
Within the field of cognitive psychology there are two opposing theoretical frameworks which attempt to explain the influence of emotionally valenced stimuli on attention distribution; the conceptual metaphor theory and the broaden-and-build theory. The aim of the current study was to gather experimental data in support for either the conceptual metaphor theory or the broaden-and-build theory using emotionally laden images. In Experiment 1, emotionally valenced images were presented in either the upper or lower visual field, and participants were asked to categorise the image as “positive” or “negative” by a designated keypress. In Experiment 2, the emotional images were displayed in the centre of the visual field for a fixed period of time, followed by the presentation of a target letter in either the upper or lower visual field. Across both experiments no shifts in attention were congruent with the conceptual metaphor theory. In contrast, Experiment 2 provided data in support of the broaden-and-build theory, with participants responding faster to all target letters following high valenced images regardless of their position.
Keywords: Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Broaden and Build, emotion, attention
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