Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
11-2015
Abstract
Research has shown that the mere presence of stimuli that resemble eyes is sufficient to attract attention, elicit aesthetic responses, and can even enhance prosocial behavior. However, it is less clear whether eye-like stimuli could also be used as a tool for nature conservation. Several animal species, including butterflies, develop eye-like markings that are known as eyespots. In the present research, we explored whether the mere display of eyespots on butterfly wings can enhance: (a) liking for a butterfly species, and (b) attitudes and behaviors towards conservation of a butterfly species. Four online experimental studies, involving 613 participants, demonstrated that eyespots significantly increased liking for a butterfly species. Furthermore, eyespots significantly increased positive attitudes towards conservation of a butterfly species (Studies 1, 2 and 4), whereas liking mediated the eyespot effect on conservation attitudes (Study 2). However, we also found some mixed evidence for an association between eyespots and actual conservation behavior (Studies 3 and 4). Overall, these findings suggest that eyespots may increase liking for an animal and sensitize humans to conservation. We discuss possible implications for biodiversity conservation and future research directions.
Keywords
Aged, Animals, Attitude, Behavior, Butterflies, Conservation of Natural Resources, Esthetics, Eye
Discipline
Applied Behavior Analysis | Social Psychology
Research Areas
Psychology
Publication
PLoS ONE
Volume
10
Issue
11
First Page
1
Last Page
20
ISSN
1932-6203
Identifier
10.1371/journal.pone.0141433
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Citation
MANESI, Zoi, Van Lange, Paul A. M., & Pollet, Thomas V..(2015). Butterfly eyespots: Their potential influence on aesthetic preferences and conservation attitudes. PLoS ONE, 10(11), 1-20.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/3080
Copyright Owner and License
Authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141433