Speaker
Description
The SNARC (Spatial-Numerical Association of Response Codes) effect describes the tendency to associate small numbers with the left side and large numbers with the right. Similarly, stimulus valence (positive/negative) is spatially lateralized, with right-handers typically associating negative stimuli with the left and positive with the right. In the present study, we investigated how these dimensions interact when numbers are framed as monetary gains (positive) or losses (negative).
Two experiments were conducted with right-handed participants. In Experiment 1, a valence classification task required participants to classify numbers as gains (green ink) or losses (red ink), pressing a left or right key. Results showed neither a classic SNARC effect nor SNARC-like effects for valence. In Experiment 2, a magnitude classification task required judging whether numbers were smaller or larger than 5, with gains and losses indicated by green or red ink, respectively. Results revealed a classic SNARC effect, with faster responses for small-left and large-right mappings. Moreover, a magnitude × valence compatibility effect was observed: responses were faster when magnitude and valence aligned (small–losses, large–gains) than when they conflicted (large–losses, small–gains). This effect was stronger in the SNARC-compatible block, suggesting "hyper-compatibility" when hand, magnitude, and valence were congruent (e.g., left–small–losses).
Overall, the findings indicate that both number magnitude and valence influence spatial associations in a magnitude classification task, but not in a valence classification task.
This study was funded by the PRIN 2022 program (project Prot. 20227N2Y73).
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