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Weight as an embodiment of importance
Nils B Jostmann1, Daniël Lakens, Thomas W Schubert
1University of Amsterdam, 1081 WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. n.b.jostmann@uva.nl
Psychological Science
|August 19, 2009
Summary
Bodily experiences of weight influence abstract importance judgments. Holding a heavy clipboard increased perceived value and importance, suggesting weight enhances cognitive effort for abstract concepts.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Embodied Cognition
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The abstract concept of importance is often considered separate from physical sensations.
- Embodied cognition theories propose that abstract concepts are grounded in sensory and motor experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether physical experiences of weight influence judgments of abstract importance.
- To explore the link between embodied cognition and the perception of abstract concepts.
Main Methods:
- Four studies were conducted where participants judged importance after holding either a heavy or light clipboard.
- Judgments included monetary value, importance of fair procedures, judgment consistency, and argument polarization.
Main Results:
- Holding a heavy clipboard led to higher judgments of monetary value.
- Participants considered fair decision-making procedures more important when holding a heavy clipboard.
- Heavy clipboards also promoted more elaborate thinking, evidenced by increased judgment consistency and argument polarization.
Conclusions:
- Physical weight influences abstract judgments, grounding the concept of importance in bodily sensations.
- These findings support embodied cognition, suggesting physical weight prompts greater cognitive effort for abstract issues, similar to concrete objects.
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