A Dictionary of Affect in Language: II. Word Inclusion and Additional Validation

Abstract

Validation for the bipolar two-dimensional ratings of the “Dictionary of Affect in Language” word list of Sweeney and Whissell is deduced on the basis of 7 single-word descriptors of potential emotional reactions to imaginary situations produced by 27 subjects for each of 9 situations. Mean scores for Pleasantness and Activation in each situation, based on ratings from the list, showed significant differences associated with situations. Results for Pleasantness completely mirrored a priori predictions, while those for Activation were somewhat less systematic. Of the 2676 words produced by subjects, only 14% (173 distinct words) were not included in the original list.