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Affect from mere perception: Illusory contour perception feels good.

Thorsten M Erle1, Rolf Reber2, Sascha Topolinski3

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Würzburg.

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|February 17, 2017
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Basic perception, like illusory contour processing, can evoke positive affect. This study shows preferences for stimuli that enable this perception, independent of processing fluency.

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Affective Science
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Processing fluency, or ease of perception, can positively influence affect.
  • Previous research focused on manipulating ongoing perceptual dynamics, not initiating the perceptual process itself.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if basic perceptual processes, independent of processing fluency, can evoke affect.
  • To explore the role of illusory contour perception in generating affective responses.

Main Methods:

  • Five experiments (N=422) used brief visual stimuli (≤100 ms) featuring Kanizsa shapes (enabling illusory contours) and control shapes.
  • Measures included self-reported preference ratings and facial muscle activity (EMG).

Main Results:

  • Participants consistently preferred Kanizsa shapes over control shapes.
  • Stimuli most strongly eliciting illusory contour perception were preferred the most.
  • Preference was not explained by processing fluency, as preferred stimuli were more complex.

Conclusions:

  • Early perceptual processes, such as illusory contour formation, can independently generate affect.
  • Basic perception is a significant source of affectivity, extending beyond processing fluency.
  • Findings challenge existing models and highlight the affective capacity of fundamental perceptual mechanisms.