CATEGORIZATION CUTS CONDENSATION

Abstract

Test stimuli are rated as both less good (hedonic contrast) and less different (hedonic condensation) following very good context stimuli than when presented alone. Hedonic contrast is attenuated if context and test stimuli are perceived as being in different categories. The present research shows that hedonic condensation is also attenuated when subjects perceive the context and test stimuli as being in different categories. This provides further evidence that hedonic contrast and condensation are related phenomena.