A Dictionary of Affect in Language: I. Establishment and Preliminary Validation

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Abstract
73 subjects participated in a two-phase experiment. In the first phase, 33 subjects rated more than 4000 words in terms of the affective dimensions of Evaluation (Pleasantness) and Activation (Arousal). Mean scores for the words were normally distributed on both dimensions, and the correlation between dimensions was very low (.15). In the second phase, 40 subjects responded in a free written format to four “imaginary” situations distinguished by their Outcome (“A” Grade, Failing Grade) and their implied Locus of Causality (Internal or Self, External or Other). Ratings from the words in Phase One were used to score subjects' protocols for both dimensions, and greater pleasantness was evident for the positive outcome and the internally-attributed situations while greater arousal was evident for externally attributed situations; data were the frequencies of occurrence of high Activation and high Evaluation words.

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