A cue to any one of the five senses captures the person's attention. Processing the information produces an experience that the person evaluates as positive or negative. The immediate sensation is compared with past experiences and a decision is made to withdraw or not. A personal choice to continue to pay attention to pleasant sensations is possible but will probably be inconsistent.
Negative experiences are followed by expressions of hatred and repulsion, with a decision to avoid further experiences with the sensation. While negative responses are strong, the number of cues per individual is usually limited to a few, i.e. three or four.
Positive experiences are followed by expressions of pleasure and enjoyment, and are not always accompanied by a decision to sustain attention.
Individual differences can be detected in the responses to personal favorites and repulsions; the number of individual cues with excellent assistance from family and friends is often less than five. Without their help, the number may be one or two stereotypes.