Abstract
Previous studies on object preference have demonstrated preference for curvature over angularity. Evidence suggests something fundamental about curvature that generates attraction and positive response. Although positive valence associations have been demonstrated, no study has explored the role of curved contour on decision-making. We designed an experiment in which participants were presented with a cue and instructed to make a decision to expect something happy or something sad. Each cue presented was either curved or its angular counterpart. We found an effect of curvature, demonstrating that participants were more likely to expect something happy when presented with curved stimuli. These results provide evidence that curvature in the visual field may bias decisional outcomes.
Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2018