Effectiveness of internet-based affect induction procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Affective Science
• Internet Research Methodology

Background:

• Laboratory-based affect induction procedures are well-established.
• Advances in internet research necessitate validation of online affect induction methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of internet-based affect induction procedures.
• To identify potential moderators influencing affect induction success online.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies.
• Included 89 independent effect sizes from internet-based affect induction research.

Main Results:

• Affect induction procedures were effective for general positive and negative affect, fear, disgust, anger, sadness, and guilt.
• Happiness induction was not significantly effective.
• Video inductions yielded larger effect sizes.
• Minimal concern regarding contamination of non-target affect.

Conclusions:

• Internet-based affect induction is effective and reliable for various emotions.
• Online methodologies offer a promising avenue for accelerating affective science research.
• Future research should consider video formats for enhanced effect sizes.