Curtis et al (2004)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To test the hypothesis that disgust is an adaptation that serves to prevent disease.

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

77 000 people from 165 countries, however data which was improbable and those who knew the hypothesis were removed, leaving 40 000 respondents

Question 3

Method

Answer 3

• Survey (web based) with visual stimuli
• Participants rated 20 photos which appeared one at a time
• Photos included 7 pairs, which each pair comprised of a disease-salient image and a matched image which was not disease-salient
• A final question asked participants who they would rather share a toothbrush with, from most (partner) to least (weatherman) familiar

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

• Disgust was felt more often when faced with a disease-salient stimulus than similar stimulus with less salience
• 6 out of 7 pairings were similarly rated across cultures
• Disgust is more pronounced in females as they play double role in protecting both self and offspring from disease
• Disgust becomes less potent as an individual’s reproductive potential declines
• Disgust will be more strongly provoked by contact with strangers than close relatives as strangers may carry novel pathogens

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

It was concluded that all the above factors contribute to disgust