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Red color in flags: A signal for competition
Author(s) -
Zhang Tengxiao,
Feng Shiyu,
Han Buxin,
Sun Si
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
color research and application
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.393
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1520-6378
pISSN - 0361-2317
DOI - 10.1002/col.22165
Subject(s) - flags register , context (archaeology) , preference , competition (biology) , psychology , flag (linear algebra) , geography , computer science , mathematics , statistics , ecology , archaeology , pure mathematics , biology , algebra over a field , operating system
The color‐in‐context theory and ecological valence theory suggest that color preference depends on the context and ecological object that define the psychological meanings of colors. The present study was conducted to identify the preference for the color red in national flags across the world. We explored 192 national flags across the world and found that red was the most frequently used color. Through a systemic examination of symbolic meanings behind use of the color red in flags, it was also found that the color red was often attached with an aggressive connotation. In contrast, the flags of the selected international collaborative organizations did not appear to prefer red. These results support the hypothesis of “red flag preference” in real‐world competitive contexts. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.