The Effect of Shape of Words Balloon on SNARC Effect

Abstract

: This study investigated the effect of shape of words balloon on SNARC effect, which participants reacted to large numbers faster with the choice on the right, whereas the reverse relationship held true for small numbers. Dehaene et al. (1993) revealed that the SNARC effect occurs by customs of reading. This study hypothesized the SNARC effect will be obstructed in a lengthways balloon because Japanese participants read from top to down in a lengthways balloon. We used Arabic numerals from 1 to 9 except for 5. Numerals were displayed in the sideways or lengthways balloon. Participants judged numerals were even or odd by pushing the corresponding keys. From the results, ordinary SNARC effect occurred when the sideways balloon displayed but SNARC effect didn't occur when the lengthways balloon was displayed. This finding ensured that the SNARC effect is influenced due to directions of reading caused by shape of wards balloon.