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The "Peripheral Cue Shift" Phenomenon

Influence of Facial Expression and Level of Commission on Attribution of Responsibility

Middle Tennessee State University

Harold D. Whiteside

Middle Tennessee State University

A total of 54 subjects read scenarios of a behavioral act and observed pictures of actors. The scenarios differed in levels of commission; that is, the degree to which an act was considered purposive, careless, or justified. Pictures showed the actors expressing emotions of anger, happiness, or sadness. Facial expressions were paired with scenarios to form a 3 x 3 Latin Square design with replications. Results revealed that both facial expression and level of commission affected attributions of responsibility. Facial expressions influenced attributions only on just if ed and careless commission, suggesting that when amgibuity exists concerning an actor's feelings about his or her actions, facial expression can provide clues guiding attributions. These results are interpreted as reflecting a tendency to use directly relevant cues when available, but to use more peripheral cues when such cues are lacking.

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