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When good blends go bad: How fl uency can explain when we like and dislike ambiguity
DOI link for When good blends go bad: How fl uency can explain when we like and dislike ambiguity
When good blends go bad: How fl uency can explain when we like and dislike ambiguity book
When good blends go bad: How fl uency can explain when we like and dislike ambiguity
DOI link for When good blends go bad: How fl uency can explain when we like and dislike ambiguity
When good blends go bad: How fl uency can explain when we like and dislike ambiguity book
ABSTRACT
A man looks at Mona Lisa’s face. At fi rst, he really likes it. Why? One source of his reaction is “what” he sees. He appreciates the gentle smile, the smooth complexion, the inquisitive eyes. But another source of affect is “how” he sees, how easy (fl uent) are the mental operations in processing Mona Lisa’s face. She triggers a warm feeling because she is so “easy on the eyes,” so smooth and familiar, as if da Vinci captured the very essence of the human condition. But now something happens! The man realizes there is something “off” in the face he sees. Is this really Mona Lisa? There seems to be a bit of da Vinci’s own face in the picture. Is this really a woman? The face seems partially male. And what about that mysterious smile? Or is it a smirk? The man is now confused. He does not know what to make of the picture, even though he’s trying hard to decipher it perceptually and conceptually. Perhaps he does not like Mona Lisa after all!