Crossmodal correspondences between color, smell, and texture: Investigating the sensory attributes of a body lotion

Author(s)
Udo Wagner, Elisabeth Steiner, Carmen Hartmann, Katharina Braun
Abstract

This research explores the crossmodal correspondences within the field of sensory marketing. In particular, we investigate crossmodal effects between the visual, olfactory, and haptic senses. An extensive literature review reveals a lack of studies in this area but has allowed for a theory-driven approach. An empirical study was performed to explore how different combinations of sensory attributes of a body lotion affect (i) the perception of its color, scent, and texture; and (ii) the evaluation of success measures such as product quality and product liking. A preliminary study was done to determine the sensory attributes of the body lotion to be used in the main study. These attributes are designed to be perceived differently with respect to the manipulated modality but are otherwise similar. The main study employs a 2 × 2 × 2 full-factorial between-subjects design. The empirical findings demonstrate the existence of crossmodal effects. With regard to the assessment of the product, texture of the body lotion emerges as the most important sensory attribute.

Organisation(s)
Department of Marketing and International Business
External organisation(s)
FH Campus Wien
Journal
Marketing ZFP - Journal of Research and Management
Volume
42
Pages
19-34
No. of pages
16
ISSN
0344-1369
DOI
https://doi.org/10.15358/0344-1369-2020-2-19
Publication date
2021
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
502019 Marketing
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Social Psychology, Marketing
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/ce999b4d-2e8d-48f1-a898-2ce32bb08a28