What is an example of priming?

Priming refers to the phenomenon in cognitive psychology where exposure to a stimulus influences a response to a subsequent stimulus, without conscious guidance or intention. In the provided example, the experience of Kevin smelling pizza acts as a prime that triggers an intense craving for pizza later on. The initial smell serves as a cue that activates associated memories or desires related to pizza, leading to the craving.

This process works because sensory experiences, such as smells, can evoke strong emotional and memory associations. When Kevin encounters the smell of pizza, it may bring to mind past experiences associated with eating pizza, thus priming him to feel hungry for it later.

The other scenarios do not exemplify priming in the same way. They involve actions influenced by previous experiences or interests, but they do not demonstrate the direct influence of a stimulus on a subsequent craving or desire in the same cognitive associative manner that priming describes. For instance, reading a book or watching a video might lead to an action, but they do not involve an immediate, subconscious influence triggered by a sensory experience as in Kevin's case.