This experiment is useful in demonstrating the potential power of positive and negative associations formed within the brain between words/images/experiences and the subjective emotions they elicit. But it also suffers from several potential pitfalls or limitations. One such possible flaw is that the syllables themselves – and not the associated words – may be inherently unpleasant or difficult to say, which could impact the ratings as well as the interpretation of the results. All of the following are possible fixes for this experimental flaw EXCEPT: a. having one of several distinct sounds play before being shown the words, rather than pairing with syllables.
b. using shapes or colors to pair with word types, in place of syllables.
c. using syllables that are very similar in pronunciation and ease of enunciation across all word types.
d. pairing all existing nonsense syllables with only positive words