Introduction
In my experiment, I used the sequential design as my experimental design. It guided me to agree with the hypothesis,” that emotionally loaded words like “sex” and “prostitute” must be exposed for a longer time to be perceived than neutral words. I conducted surveys so that I could come up with the findings and the conclusions of the experiment. The dependent variable in the experiment was the threshold in which the loaded words are used. The independent variable is the time taken in the surveys that I conducted.
The sequential experimental design requires the researcher to complete a given stage so that he can continue with the research. It is important to note that data was collected and analyzed after a given time period to confirm the justification of the hypothesis. I preferred this experimental design because the sample size needs not to be predetermined. I used surveys as my qualitative method in collection of data.
Words like Sex and prostitute are placed in the category of emotionally loaded words and they present a certain type of perception whenever they are used. The degree of perception merely depends on the number of times the words are used in a specific setting. The participant may use a word like sex but in most instances he waits or gets assured that the word will prevent any form of social conflicts. The threshold to recognize these loaded words is determined by the frequency in which they are used. Depending on the differences that exist in life, individual perception varies and this also affects the use of the loaded words.
In the experiment, the hypothesis is confirmed due the finding and results that are collected. The words are mainly recognized after they are used for a long duration rather than when they are used under short intervals. The longer the loaded words are used, the higher the chances of recognition.
According to psychologists, the average speaker uses expletives always. Speakers must organize their thinking to meet demands of their language during speech. In language words like sex and prostitute are unique in that they have a dual linguistic function. In addition, they refer to specific objects and actions, which act as emotional intensifiers. One explanation for the physiological power of swearwords is that they are stored in a different portion of the brain while obscene words occupy the lower brain along with automatic speech acts.
This is the reason loaded words should be exposed for a longer time to be perceived than neutral words. The survey carried out showed that the phonological form of word can directly evoke a negative emotional response. In addition, the analysis suggests another instance where word forms affect thought. The role of euphemisms is to overcome verbal condition. This allows the speaker to replace the trigger by another word form that expresses the same idea but that is not itself associated with a conditioned response. This in turn allows speakers to think about issues that might otherwise be avoided.
According to psychologist and the survey used, Cerebral cortex used to separate these two different parts of brains. The cerebral cortex controls voluntary actions and kind of higher vocabulary that depends on synthetic construction. But although offensive language occupies its own, instinctive part of the human mind, the specific words that become associated with this region are entirely dependent on a given individual’s cultural context. However the most offensive language in contemporary English is defined by the different social taboos. Reconciling a respect for beliefs with freedom of speech are perhaps impossible, what is perceived to be obscene has always been, and will remain, the strongest limitation of language.
