Automatic (spontaneous) propositional and associative learning of first impressions

2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
James S. Uleman
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Associative Learning ◽  
Implicit Attitudes ◽  
Human Learning ◽  
First Impressions ◽  
Human Conditioning ◽  
Spontaneous Trait Inferences ◽  
Trait Inferences ◽  
Spontaneous Trait Transference

AbstractContrary to the target article's claims, social cognition research shows considerable learning (about other people) that is relatively automatic. Some of this learning is propositional (spontaneous trait inferences) and some is associative (spontaneous trait transference). Other dichotomies – for example, between learning explicit and implicit attitudes – are also important. However conceived, human conditioning is not synonymous with human learning.

Easy to Make, Hard to Revise: Updating Spontaneous Trait Inferences in the Presence of Trait-Inconsistent Information

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 571-625
Author(s):  
Irmak Olcaysoy Okten ◽  
Gordon B. Moskowitz
Keyword(s):  
Impression Formation ◽  
Explicit Memory ◽  
Single Point ◽  
First Impressions ◽  
Memory Reconsolidation ◽  
Memory Reactivation ◽  
Inconsistent Information ◽  
Spontaneous Trait Inferences ◽  
Trait Inferences ◽  
Over Time

Previous research has shown that perceivers spontaneously form trait inferences from others' behaviors received at a single point in time. The present work examined the persistence of spontaneous trait inferences (STIs) in the presence of trait-inconsistent information about others. We hypothesized that STIs should be resistant to change over time and in the presence of new trait-inconsistent information due to perceivers forming and storing multiple STIs independently in memory. Consistently, Experiments 1a and 1b showed that initial STIs were not affected by new trait-inconsistent information. Experiments 2 and 3 revealed that STIs were persistent over 48 hours. Two experiments also tested memory reconsolidation as a possible mechanism of updating first impressions. While STIs were not substantially affected, spontaneous goal inferences (SGIs) were elevated among those with a better explicit memory of behaviors after learning trait-inconsistent information following a memory reactivation procedure. Implications of these findings on impression formation and updating processes are discussed.

The effect of stereotype activation on spontaneous inferences

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Pei Wang ◽  
Ai-hua Tao ◽  
Fan Gao ◽  
Yi-wen Xie
Keyword(s):  
Chinese People ◽  
Stereotype Activation ◽  
Spontaneous Trait Inferences ◽  
Probe Recognition ◽  
Trait Inferences ◽  
Situational Information ◽  
Chinese Undergraduates

We adopted the probe recognition paradigm to examine the effect of stereotype activation on spontaneous inferences among Chinese undergraduates (N = 48). First, behavioral sentences involving trait-implying behavior and corresponding situational information were simultaneously presented. We then selected stereotype labels of the actor's behavior that were consistent or inconsistent with the behavior, and which were activated either supraliminally or subliminally. The results showed that whether a stereotype was activated supraliminally or subliminally, the influence on spontaneous inferences was the same. Specifically, when the stereotype was inconsistent with the actor's behavior, spontaneous situational inferences were facilitated, and when the stereotype was consistent with the actor's behavior, spontaneous trait inferences were not facilitated. As Chinese people may be more prone to spontaneous (vs. trait) inferences, this indicates that human inferences are deeply influenced by culture.

scholarly journals The associative nature of human associative learning

2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Shanks
Keyword(s):  
Associative Learning ◽  
Pavlovian Conditioning ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Human Learning ◽  
Emergent Properties ◽  
Human Associative Learning ◽  
Unconscious Processes

AbstractThe extent to which human learning should be thought of in terms of elementary, automatic versus controlled, cognitive processes is unresolved after nearly a century of often fierce debate. Mitchell et al. provide a persuasive review of evidence against automatic, unconscious links. Indeed, unconscious processes seem to play a negligible role in any form of learning, not just in Pavlovian conditioning. But a modern connectionist framework, in which “cognitive” phenomena are emergent properties, is likely to offer a fuller account of human learning than the propositional framework Mitchell et al. propose.

scholarly journals Acknowledging the Role of Word-Based Activation in Spontaneous Trait Inferences

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Orghian ◽  
TTnia Ramos ◽  
Joana Reis ◽  
Leonel Garcia Marques
Keyword(s):  
Spontaneous Trait Inferences ◽  
Trait Inferences

Activation Is Not Always Inference: Word-Based Priming in Spontaneous Trait Inferences

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-173
Author(s):  
Diana Orghian ◽  
Tânia Ramos ◽  
Leonel Garcia-Marques ◽  
James S. Uleman
Keyword(s):  
Spontaneous Trait Inferences ◽  
Trait Inferences

The Relationship Between Spontaneous Trait Inferences and Spontaneous Situational Inferences: A Developmental Approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 569-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Zhang ◽  
Ningjuan Fang
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Impression Formation ◽  
Social Judgment ◽  
Developmental Approach ◽  
Recognition Probe ◽  
Spontaneous Trait Inferences ◽  
Trait Inferences ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Chinese Children And Adolescents

Using a recognition probe paradigm, we examined the relationship between the strength of tendency to make spontaneous trait inferences (STIs) and the strength of tendency to make spontaneous situational inferences (SSIs) among 3 groups of Chinese children and adolescents (N = 144) aged 8, 11, and 14 years, respectively. The results showed that the children could make both STIs and SSIs simultaneously from the age of 8 years. Both 8- and 11-year-olds were more likely to make SSIs than STIs, but for the 11-year-olds there was no difference between the strength of tendency to make STIs and the strength of tendency to make SSIs. These results are discussed in the light of social judgment processes, and of cultural differences in spontaneous impression formation.

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