Lawrence Williams
Lawrence Williams is a researcher and first author of the 2008 Science paper reporting two experiments on physical warmth and interpersonal warmth.
Who they are
The work of Lawrence Williams reaches this site through the paper listed below. The name is tied to Physical Warmth Priming, Social Priming. Their paper reports: Study 1: briefly holding hot versus iced coffee led participants to judge a described target as having a warmer personality (generous, caring).
Key papers
Williams, L. E., & Bargh, J. A. (2008). Experiencing physical warmth promotes interpersonal warmth. Science, 322(5901), 606-607. What it reports: Study 1: briefly holding hot versus iced coffee led participants to judge a described target as having a warmer personality (generous, caring). Study 2: holding a hot versus cold therapeutic pad made participants more likely to choose a gift for a friend instead of themselves. Hypothesis: physical warmth raises interpersonal warmth outside awareness; insula involvement in temperature and trust processing cited as background.
Key ideas
Physical Warmth Priming: The proposal that a brief experience of physical warmth, such as holding a hot drink or pad, shifts social judgments and choices without the person noticing.
Sources
- Williams, L. E., & Bargh, J. A. (2008). Experiencing physical warmth promotes interpersonal warmth. Science, 322(5901), 606-607.