For 30 years, the study of emotional reactions of consumers has been a topic of research based on electrophysiological indices. To date, more than 20 studies using the measurement of electrodermal activity (EDA) have been published in marketing. This recording method is experiencing a renewed interest with the emergence of consumer neuroscience and participates in investigative techniques of brain functions. Although the implementation of EDA measurement is an attainable technique, its signal analysis is nonetheless complex. Recently, researchers in psychophysiology have developed a new digital tool for EDA signal processing, thus optimizing the evaluation of the “activation” component of an emotional episode. A careful reading of the literature has identified several methods of collecting and processing the EDA signal which are discussed. Recommendations are proposed and illustrated in an exploratory study using seven TV commercials. The results show that the application of standards for signal processing by means of nonnegative deconvolution improves the robustness of measures thus contributing to the enhancement of consumer neuroscience research.

The first aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness, in terms of emotional and behavioral reactions, of moderately vs. highly TVWs (Threatening Visual Warnings) displayed on tobacco packs. Given the key role that emotional reactions play in explaining the effect of TVWs on behaviors, psychophysiological and self-report methods were used–for the first time in this context–to measure the emotions provoked by TVWs. The second aim of this research was to determine whether increasing the size of warnings, and their display on plain packaging (compared with branded packaging) would improve their effectiveness.A within-subjects experiment was conducted. Three variables were manipulated: health warning threat level (high vs. moderate), image size (40% vs. 75%) and pack type (plain vs. branded). A convenience sample of 48 French daily smokers participated. They were exposed to eight different packs of cigarettes in a research lab at the University of Rennes. Smokers’ emotions and behavioral intentions were recorded through self-reports. Emotions were also evaluated using psychophysiological measurements: electrodermal activity and facial electromyography. The results revealed that TVWs with a high threat level are the most effective in increasing negative emotions (fear, disgust, valence, arousal) and behavioral intentions conducive to public health (desire to quit, etc.). They also highlight the appeal of increasing the size of the warnings and displaying them on plain packs, because this influences emotions, which is the first step toward behavioral change.Increasing the threat level of TVWs from moderate to high seems beneficial for public health. Our results also confirm the relevance of recent governmental decisions to adopt plain packaging and larger TVWs (in the UK, France, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Hungary, etc.).

International audienceThe marketing literature on program context includes several studies on the influence of program-induced positive and negative emotions on the evaluation of embedded television advertisements. While the majority of these studies have been conducted with younger adults, new discoveries on the differentiated processes of emotion regulation among younger and older adults are reviving interest in this topic. The present study examined the impact of television program context on program-induced affective reactions and on the processing of embedded television advertisements among younger and older adults. Program-induced mood valence was manipulated by using excerpts from sad and happy films. This research shows that affective reactions elicited by sad and happy television programs, as well as attitude toward the advertisement, differ between younger and older adults. The level of sadness reported by older adults was lower than that of younger adults within a sad program context. The results also show a negative influence of a sad (versus a happy) program on attitude toward the advertisement among younger adults but not among older adults. These results confirm that in advancing age, it is possible to shape emotional responses to suit regulation goals

Cette note de recherche met en évidence la complémentarité et la convergence d'échelles verbales et d'échelles iconiques, mesurant les réactions affectives déclenchées par une annonce publicitaire, pour expliquer l'attitude envers cette dernière (Aad). Les résultats montrent que ces deux mesures par rapport à une seule offrent toujours une explication statistiquement supérieure et que l'attitude envers l'annonce (Aad), mesurée de façon iconique, est très bien expliquée (R2 > 80 %) par les réactions affectives mesurées de façon verbale et mesurées de façon iconique. Des implications pratiques sont soulignées ainsi que des voies de recherche à privilégier au départ des limites de cette étude.