The Gordian Knot of Disposition Theory : Character Morality and Liking Character Morality and Liking

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Beteiligte: Grizzard, Matthew, Huang, Jialing, Ahn, Changhyun, Fitzgerald, Kaitlin, Francemone, C. Joseph, Walton, Jess
In: Journal of Media Psychology, 32, 2020, 2, S. 100-105
veröffentlicht:
Hogrefe Publishing Group
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Umfang: 100-105
ISSN: 1864-1105
2151-2388
DOI: 10.1027/1864-1105/a000257
veröffentlicht in: Journal of Media Psychology
Sprache: Englisch
Schlagwörter:
Kollektion: Hogrefe Publishing Group (CrossRef)
Inhaltsangabe

<jats:p> Abstract. Morally ambiguous characters are often perceived to challenge Zillmann’s affective disposition theory of drama. At the heart of this challenge is the question: “To what extent can liking be independent of character morality?” The current study examines this question with a 2 (Disposition: Positive vs. Negative) × 3 (Character Type: Hero, Antihero, Villain) between-subjects factorial experiment that induces variance in liking and morality. We assess the influence of these orthogonal manipulations on measured liking and morality. Main effects of both manipulations on the measured variables emerged, with a significant correlation between measures. Regression analyses further confirm that liking is associated with perceived morality and vice versa. Because variance in morality was induced by the liking manipulation and variance in liking was induced by the morality manipulation, the assumptions of disposition theory regarding morality and liking seem accurate. Future research directions are provided that may help reconcile and integrate the seeming challenge of morally ambiguous characters with affective disposition theory. </jats:p>