Add new term: mechanism of action through narrative generalisation

[oleksiikartashovde-glitch]

Module: Mechanisms of Action
Suggested parent class: BCIO_050985 (mechanism of action through generalisation gradient)
Proposed label: mechanism of action through narrative generalisation

Definition: A mechanism of action through generalisation gradient in which the
causal influence occurs through the automatic activation of a culturally established
narrative by a symbol or stimulus that shares structural features with elements of
that narrative, resulting in the transfer of the narrative's affective valence and
authority to the activating symbol.

Examples: a symbol visually resembling a culturally significant object activating
associated narrative frames and their affective valence; a brand name containing letter
sequences corresponding to culturally significant names activating associated narrative
themes; architectural elements resembling sacred structures activating reverence responses.

Rationale: Narrative generalisation does not require intentional embedding of
narrative references by intervention designers, nor conscious recognition of narrative
similarity by participants. The mechanism operates through associative memory and
follows Shepard's generalisation law: the smaller the structural distance between
the stimulus and the narrative prototype, the stronger the activation. This mechanism
is relevant to intervention design because symbols and materials used in interventions
may unintentionally activate culturally established narratives that facilitate or
interfere with intervention goals. Currently no MoA class captures this phenomenon.

References:

• Green, M.C., & Brock, T.C. (2000). The role of transportation in the persuasiveness of public narratives. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(5), 701–721.
• Shepard, R.N. (1987). Toward a universal law of generalization. Science, 237, 1317–1323.
• Barthes, R. (1957). Mythologies. Éditions du Seuil.

Suggested label: new term