The Influence of Tactile Temperature on Perceptions of Self and Other

Identifier

1170

Author

Megan Brianne BattlesFollow

Date

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Psychology

Concentration

General Psychology

Committee Chair

Jeffrey S. Berman

Committee Member

Eugene H. Buder

Committee Member

Robert A. Neimeyer

Committee Member

Roger J. Kreuz

Abstract

Past research has shown that the tactile sensation of holding a hot object can increase positive perceptions of others (Williams & Bargh, 2008). The aims of the present study were to replicate the original finding as well as evaluate whether this process of embodied cognition extended to perceptions of self. Participants were randomly assigned to hold briefly a lidded cup at a certain temperature—hot, neutral, or cold—before filling out measures that assessed their perceptions of both self and others. The study failed to replicate the original study’s findings. Further, there was no evidence to suggest a relationship between perceptions of self and experiences of tactile warmth. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Recommended Citation

Battles, Megan Brianne, "The Influence of Tactile Temperature on Perceptions of Self and Other" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 982.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/982