We are grateful to MacDonald and Weiss for answering our call to explore the underlying causes of the in-out effect in speech patterns. This phenomenon occurs when people have a preference for words and letter sequences that involve a sequence of articulation places moving inward instead of outward. It is fascinating to note that this effect is not limited to a particular language or context, but has universal influence on various judgments and decisions in social and consumer settings. We delve deeper into this intriguing topic in our recent article, where we provide further analysis and insights on why the in-out effect persists.
The in-out effect can be compared to the way rivers flow. Just as some rivers meander, wander, and wander back again, our speech patterns follow a similar pattern, with sounds transitioning from one articulation place to another. The inward-wandering sequence of articulation places seems to have a stronger appeal, leading to its prevalence in language across cultures.
While the article doesn’t provide a conclusive explanation for this phenomenon, it does open the door for further research and exploration. By examining the neurological processes involved in speech production and perception, scientists may uncover the specific mechanisms that give rise to the in-out effect. Understanding these underlying processes could have broader implications for fields such as linguistics, psychology, and communication studies.
To dive deeper into the fascinating world of the in-out effect, we encourage you to read the full article!
We thank MacDonald and Weiss [1] for picking up our call for new explanations behind the articulatory in–out effect. This effect refers to people’s preference for words and letter strings with an inward-wandering sequence of articulation places (e.g., MADIKO: labial-coronal-dorsal) over those with an outward-wandering sequence of articulation places (e.g., KADIMO: dorsal-coronal-labial) [2]. As we elaborate in our forum article [3], the in–out effect is robust across languages and contexts and influences different judgments and decisions in social and consumer contexts.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.