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Exploring Individual Differences in Visuo-Tactile Preferences: Bottom-up versus Predefined Categories
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DOI：10.1163/22134913-bja10076.png)
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Abstract
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This exploratory study demonstrates how to assess whether individual differences in visuo-tactile preferences are better predicted by predefined personal categories or by the bottom-up perspective offered by Q-methodology. Preferences were assessed using Reactive Objects (ROs), three-dimensional artefacts that exhibit autonomous behaviour when handled. As a predefined personality trait, we examined alexithymia, which reflects difficulties in recognising and describing emotions. Participants' evaluations of ROs were captured along two dimensions: preference (choice between variable levels, e.g., red vs. green) and dominance (relative importance of variables in aesthetic judgements, e.g., colour vs. shape). Q-methodology was applied to identify emergent factors in aesthetic judgements. Results revealed a clear distinction between preference and dominance but showed no significant relationship between alexithymia and the Q-factors. These findings suggest that predefined traits such as alexithymia may not predict visuo-tactile preferences for ROs. Instead, Q-methodology provided richer insights into individual differences, underscoring the value of post-hoc data analysis. Given the small sample size (N = 22; 17 females, 5 males; M age = 23 years, SD = 3.5, range = 18-34), the study's contribution is primarily methodological. Future research should further explore the complex interplay between personality traits and visuo-tactile judgements of reactive artefacts.
Keywords:
Reactive objects
Q-methodology
alexithymia
individual differences
aesthetic perception
multisensory stimulation
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