A person's perspective on the world is a complex interaction between their life experiences and the values that they have developed over time. The information that is gathered and learned through our senses helps to establish a foundation on which we view the world. Now, researchers have found that our sense of touch plays a more prominent role than many of us realize.

A recent article in the journal Science describes how our sense of touch can have an effect on not only our thoughts, but our behavior, as well. The paper describes a series of experiments whereby textures, shapes, weights and temperatures of seemingly incidental objects can significantly influence our point of view, thus affecting interpersonal interactions on a profound yet unconscious level. Examples given include how a resume read on a heavy clipboard can be viewed as more substantive, and a person seated in a soft chair is less likely to drive a hard bargain.

The findings suggest that our sense of touch, which is the first sense to develop in our body, may serve as a foundation on which our decisions and "social judgments" are based. This is particularly relevant when interactions begin with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, and could have important ramifications for negotiators and job seekers, or any situation where interpersonal communication is required.

To arrive at their findings, researchers conducted a number of experiments that examined how an object felt (i.e., its weight, texture and hardness) and its role in influencing judgments about an unrelated event. To study the effect of weight, subjects were given either light or heavy clipboards while looking at resumes. Those resumes that were on heavy clipboards were viewed as more serious about the job and by extension, more qualified.

In order to gain a better understanding of the effect of texture, puzzle pieces with either a rough or smooth feeling were arranged by the subjects, and then they were told a story about an interaction. Those who worked with rough pieces were more likely to describe the situation in a harsher light.

Hardness experiments included the handling of either a soft blanket or a hard block made of wood and then being told a story about a supervisor and employee interaction in the work place. Those who handled the wood block judged the employee to be less flexible and easy-going. Another hardness experiment had subjects sit in hard and soft chairs while they haggled over the price of a car. The hardness of their seat influenced not only their level of engagement in the negotiations, but how they viewed their adversary, as well.

Overall, the experiment suggests that our sense of touch relays information that may be subconscious but can play a significant role in our cognitive processes, whereby all of our senses contribute to the entire process of perception. This could open the door to a greater understanding of the factors the shape social interactions and communication.