Moderating the influence of a prime: can self-focused attention inhibit response preparation behaviour in an interpersonal context?

Authors

Alexandra C. Wyatt-Barton, University of Plymouth

Document Type

Project Article

Abstract

Research into the effects of focused attention on prime-to-behaviour effects indicates that heightened self-focus can eliminate stereotype and trait activation. The present research investigated the influence of focused attention on prime-to-behaviour effects after the exposure to a threatening social group (‘hoodies’). In particular it was predicted that focusing on an irrelevant target after ‘hoodie’ priming would result in response preparation behaviour whereas self-focusing would inhibit it. Results revealed that self-focusing does indeed inhibit response preparation behaviour during an interpersonal context but failed to show the opposite effect for non self-focusing. This suggests that purely focusing attention away from prime related material is sufficient to produce inhibitory effects.

Publication Date

2010-12-01

Publication Title

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Volume

3

Issue

2

First Page

164

Last Page

180

ISSN

1754-2383

Deposit Date

May 2019

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Wyatt-Barton, Alexandra C. (2010) "Moderating the influence of a prime: can self-focused attention inhibit response preparation behaviour in an interpersonal context?," The Plymouth Student Scientist: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24382/3mt4-rt70
Available at: https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/tpss/vol3/iss2/11