One but not the same: Evaluative conditioning with mixed-valence USs

In evaluative conditioning (EC), the pairing of a positively or negatively valenced stimulus (US) with another neutral stimulus (CS) leads to a corresponding change in liking of the CS. EC research so far has concentrated on using unambiguously positive or negative USs. However, attitude objects often possess multiple features that can be positive and negative at the same time. The present research addresses the question of how EC is affected by using such mixed-valence stimuli as USs. In two studies, USs of mixed valence (i.e., positive behavior and membership in a negative group or vice versa) were paired with affectively neutral CSs. Interestingly, results showed that the mixed-valence USs were evaluated according to the valence of the behavioral information. In contrast, the evaluation of associated CSs was more strongly influenced by the valence of the group information that was presented about the USs. Possible explanations as well as implications for EC research are discussed.

► Stimuli of mixed valence can be used as unconditioned stimuli in evaluative conditioning.
► The evaluation of an unconditioned stimulus of mixed valence is dominated by the valence of concrete behavioral information.
► The evaluation of an associated conditioned stimulus is dominated by the valence of abstract category information.