Contrast and convergence effects in ratings of foods

Abstract

"A set of assumptions was made that led to the hypothesis that preference ratings for poor quality food will be lower when preceded by a good quality food than when preceded by another poor quality item (contrast effects). It was also hypothesized that preference for a good quality food will be higher when preceded by another good quality item than when preceded by a poor quality product (convergence effects). The other predictions were that preference will increase with successive presentations of the same quality item, provided no opposite quality intervenes. The predictions concerning preference for the poor quality foods were clearly confirmed, but those involving the good quality foods were not substantiated." (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)