A Cross-cultural and Developmental Investigation of the Association between Color and Temperature

Color Research & Application • Vol/Iss. Online • Wiley Periodicals LLC. • • Published In • Pages: 1-14 •
By Koura Sow, Ndeye Meissa , Rattanakasamsuk, Kitirochna , Griber, Yulia A., Saksirikosol, Chanida , Phuangsuwan, Chanprapha , Shamohammadi, Mina , Maehara, Kazumitsu , Hiramatsu, Chihiro

Abstract

This study investigates whether associations between color and temperature are universal or reflective of relative aspects shared by cultural variation. The authors hypothesize that while some color–temperature links may be shared across cultures, others may vary by cultural and developmental factors. Using an online survey with children and adults worldwide comparing 20 colors, they find universal associations in hues (e.g., red/yellow = warm, blue = cool), but cultural specificity in tones (lightness/saturation). Developmental effects were also explored and were shown to have different cultural trajectories. The conclusion was that color–temperature associations are both universal and shaped by culture and development, which highlights how much cultural influence have in the development of the perceptions to color and temperature.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: jonathan.zhang