Perceptual latencies of object recognition and affect measured with the rotating spot method: Chronometric evidence for semantic primacy.

Abstract

According to the semantic primacy hypothesis of emotion generation, stimuli must be semantically categorized to evoke emotions. This hypothesis was tested in two chronometric studies, using the rotating spot method of timing subjective events. Participants saw pleasant and unpleasant pictures while a spot rotated around the edge of the picture. In different blocks of trials, they indicated when they experienced the pleasant or unpleasant feeling evoked by the pictures, or recognized the depicted objects, by reporting the position of the spot at the time when these mental events occurred. In both experiments, the latency of object recognition was found to be shorter than the latency of affect for nearly all participants and pictures, and the two latencies were positively correlated across participants. Experiment 2 replicated these findings and additionally showed that an experimental manipulation that delayed object recognition, blurring the pictures, also delayed the onset of affect. A mediation analysis suggested that this effect was at least partly mediated by the delayed recognition of the objects. The findings support the semantic primacy hypothesis.

On the latency of object recognition and affect: Evidence from speeded reaction time tasks.

“…This conclusion is supported by findings obtained with a second, albeit much less used, experimental paradigm, in which the latency of affective feelings evoked by objects is compared to the time needed to recognize the objects (e.g., Franikowski et al, 2021; Nakashima, 1909a, 1909b; Nummenmaa et al, 2010; Reisenzein & Franikowski, 2022). The reasoning behind these chronometric studies is as follows: Causes must precede their effects (Mackie, 1974); therefore, if the semantic primacy hypothesis is correct, the latency of object recognition must be shorter than the latency of affect.…”

“…Hypotheses 1 and 2 were already tested and supported in the TJ paradigms used by Franikowski et al (2021) and Reisenzein and Franikowski (2022). Hypothesis 3 was tested, and also supported, in Franikowski et al (2021, Experiment 2). Here, we sought to replicate H1–H3 with sRT tasks, using the same stimuli and presentation conditions.…”

“…Given that feelings of pleasure and displeasure also have an intensity, and are in fact often theorized as being similar to sensations (see Reisenzein, 2012), a parallel intensity effect can be expected for affect. Suggestive evidence for this hypothesis was obtained in the study by Franikowski et al (2021), who found that picture blurring, apart from delaying affect by delaying object recognition, also had a direct effect on affect latency. Because blurring also reduced the intensity of the experienced feelings, this latter effect could have been mediated by reduced affect intensity.…”

“…The pleasant pictures included pictures of a laughing child, a bunny, a kitten, a panda bear, a sunflower field, and an ice cream cup; the disgusting pictures showed, among others, a purulent finger, vomit, a snake pit, maggots, a moldy piece of bread, and an overflowing ashtray. Franikowski et al (2021) and Junge and Reisenzein (2013) found that these pictures elicited medium to strong pleasant and unpleasant feelings in most participants. Previous research has found that comparable pleasant and unpleasant pictures also tend to evoke weak physiological reactions and facial expressions (activation of the zygomaticus vs. corrugator muscle) in viewers (e.g., Codispoti et al, 2009; Lang et al, 1993), as well as a modulation of the LPP (e.g., Codispoti et al, 2009; Cuthbert et al, 2000).…”

“…Because blurring also reduced the intensity of the experienced feelings, this latter effect could have been mediated by reduced affect intensity. However, the findings were inconclusive (see Franikowski et al, 2021).…”