Automatic attention to stimuli signalling chances and dangers: Moderating effects of positive and negative goal and action contexts

Abstract

Current research on automatic attention allocation focuses on the questions whether there is an asymmetry in attentional biases towards negative and positive stimuli and whether these attentional biases are influenced by situational variables. In an experiment with N = 48 participants, automatic allocation of attention to chance and danger stimuli was investigated. Attentional capture was generally larger for chance stimuli than for danger stimuli. Additionally, attentional bias was influenced by the outcome focus of the actual goal orientation. Results revealed an incongruence effect of goal orientation on attentional biases: Attentional capture for the chance and danger stimuli was comparatively stronger when an outcome focus of opposite valence had been induced.