Curtis, Aunger and Rabie (2004)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To test the hypothesis that disgust has an evolutionary explanation

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Survey conducted 40,000 participants from 165 different countries. The survey asked the participants to rate the level of disgust of 20 photographs from 1 to 5. Of these photographs, 14 comprised 7 pairs of diseas salient stimuli. For example, a while towel with a blue stain, a white towel with a yellow stain and a white towel with a red stain. They were also asked with whom they would share a toothbrush with, including family, friends and strangers.

Question 3

Results of question 1

Answer 3

The disease salient photographs were rated more disgusting than less salient ones. For example the yellow stain was 61% more disgusting than the blue stain. The results were consistent across cultures and the females rated the disease salient photographs more disgusting than men. There was also an age based decline in the level of disgust

Question 4

Results of question 2

Answer 4

People were less likely to share a toothbrush with strangers.

Question 5

Findings

Answer 5

There is an evolutionary explanation for disgust in behavior. Human beings evolved to be disgusted by stimulus that would effect our ability to survive or reproduce

Question 6

Strengths

Answer 6

Large number of participants with several cultural backgrounds

Question 7

Weaknesses

Answer 7

The majority of participants (75%) were between the ages of 16 and 65 which means the age decline data was drawn from a much smaller number of participants. Also, 78% of the participants were from Europe, which means the participants were not all culturally balanced.