Affect and Global versus Local Information Processing

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this research project is to examine the ways in which people's feelings (i.e., affect) influence their thoughts, judgments, and behavior. Many theories of affect and cognition suggest that specific feelings lead individuals to process information either globally (with a focus on the big picture) or locally (with a focus on details). A large body of research suggests that happiness is tied to global processing, whereas sadness is tied to local processing. The current research challenges the notion of a dedicated link between particular feeling states and global versus local processing. This project advances a theoretical framework that suggests that the impact of feelings on information processing is highly malleable and depends significantly on the context in which the feelings are experienced. The research tests this framework in three key social psychological domains that are of both theoretical and real-world importance: the self, impression formation, and perceptions of groups. Four sets of two studies will examine the impact of feelings and global versus local processing inclinations when generating information about the self (Studies 1-2), when forming impressions of others under typical experimental conditions (Studies 3-4) and under more real-world decision-making conditions (Studies 5- 6), and when forming perceptions of groups members (Studies 7-8). Studies 5-8 are also designed to extend the proposed framework to more real-world judgment contexts (hiring, voting) where individuals actively seek out information about others to form a judgment and to situations in which individuals can engage in meaningful real-world behaviors (i.e., helping group members, voting). This research project will advance our theoretical understanding of the affect-cognition relationship while advancing knowledge in key social psychological domains. Knowledge gained from this research will shed light on how real-world judgments and behaviors are influenced by feelings. This project will also provide scientific training and educational opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, some of whom are members of underrepresented groups.