On the reduced effectiveness of some sexually suggestive ads
Ben B. Judd Ph.D., M. Wayne Alexander Ph.D.
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science · 1983 · Volume 11 · Issue 1
Abstract
Existing research on the effects of sexually suggestive illustrations in advertising has reported reduced recall of brand names and product information as well as negative product attitudes. This study evaluates two explanations for the reduced recall. A negative affect explanation hypothesizes that a viewer's attitudinal response to the suggestive material interferes with recall. An attention-distraction explanation hypothesizes that the visual draw of the suggestive illustrations decreases reading time for the ad copy. Ads varying in suggestiveness were viewed by male and female college students. Recall of both brand names and product information was lower for all suggestive ads. Recall differences were found to be totally unrelated to all affect differences, to measures of general attitudes toward the use of sex in advertising, and to demographic variables but were generally consistent with independent ratings of the visual characteristic of the illustrations. These results favor the attention-distraction hypothesis. Implications for advertising strategy are discussed.
Keywords
Sexual Theme, Advertising Research, Creative Strategy, Product Recall, Psychological Androgyny
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