Every day, people read all kinds of texts differing in content, quality, etc. While there is abundant research on factors affecting text comprehension, little research has examined factors influencing overall text evaluation. To address this gap, we conducted a between-subjects experiment (n = 174) testing the role of three factors. First, we manipulated actual text quality (high vs low). Obviously, texts of high (vs. low) quality should typically be judged more favorably. However, the degree to which text quality is discerned by readers may depend on numerous factors. To this effect, we tested the role of one factor pertaining to the reader and one factor pertaining to the context of reading. Specifically, we manipulated readers’ mood (positive vs. negative) as well as the valence of advance information about the quality of the text (positive vs. negative).

Results showed more positive evaluations for high (vs. low) actual text quality, for positive (vs. negative) advance information, and for positive (vs. negative) mood. Moreover, consistent with predictions derived from a mood-congruent expectancies approach (Ziegler, 2014), a three-way interaction revealed that the effect of actual quality on text evaluation was stronger when the valence of advance information was incongruent (vs. congruent) with the valence of mood (e.g. positive advance information under negative mood). In congruent conditions, more positive evaluations were found given positive mood—positive advance information as compared to negative mood—negative advance information. Implications for theories of affective influences on information processing and for understanding how readers form global text judgments are discussed.