Abstract
The mere exposure effect is driven by affective processes — repeated stimulus exposure increases liking through affective and psychophysiological pathways, not fluency alone (Harmon-Jones & Allen, 2001).
Harmon-Jones, E., & Allen, J. J. B. (2001). The role of affect in the mere exposure effect: Evidence from psychophysiological and individual differences approaches. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 27(7), 889–898. DOI
Key findings
- Mere exposure effect: — Repeated unreinforced exposure increases positive attitudes toward stimuli (Zajonc, 1968 tradition).
- Affective pathway: — Harmon-Jones and Allen test affective and psychophysiological mediators beyond cognitive fluency.
Application
When a brand logo shown repeatedly gains preference before the viewer can articulate why — Harmon-Jones and Allen implicate affective channels, not just “I have seen this before” fluency — open this cite for the study behind the move.