The Spence Holland Theory of Subliminal Perception: A Reexamination

This study explored (1) for evidence of visual input at so-called “subliminal” exposure durations, and (2) whether the response, if any, was a function of the thematic content of the stimulus. Thematic content (threatening versus non-threatening) and stimulus structure (angular versus curved) were varied independently under “subliminal,” “part-cue,” and “identification” exposure conditions. With Ss' reports and the frequency and latency of first eye movements (“orienting reflex”) as input indicators, there was no evidence of input differences which are a function of thematic content at any exposure duration, and the “report” data were consistent with the eye-movement data.

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Subliminal perception or perception of partial cues.

Journal of Abnormal & Social Psychology ◽

10.1037/h0047598 ◽

1960 ◽

Vol 61 (1) ◽

pp. 124-137 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

M. Wiener ◽

P. H. Schiller

Keyword(s):

Subliminal Perception

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Indicators of perception: I. Subliminal perception, subception, unconscious perception: An analysis in terms of psychophysical indicator methodology.

Psychological Bulletin ◽

10.1037/h0046992 ◽

1958 ◽

Vol 55 (6) ◽

pp. 373-411 ◽

Cited By ~ 117

Author(s):

Israel Goldiamond

Keyword(s):

Unconscious Perception ◽

Subliminal Perception

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Sleep Learning and Progressive Blurring of Perception during Sleep

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.1973.37.1.51 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 51-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Jose I. Lasaga ◽

Agueda M. Lasaga

Keyword(s):

Multiple Choice ◽

Choice Test ◽

Multiple Choice Test ◽

Subliminal Perception ◽

Verbal Stimuli ◽

Perceptual Distortions ◽

Stage 1

8 Ss were presented verbal stimuli (numbers) during different stages of sleep. 15 sec. after each presentation they were awakened and asked if they had heard anything. If not, they were presented a multiple-choice test including the stimulus and another 3 numbers. It was concluded that: (1) even during stages 3 and 4 some perception of verbal stimuli is possible during sleep; (2) there is a progressive blurring of perception from stage 1 and REM to stages 3 and 4; (3) some forms of learning seem to be possible during sleep beyond a drowsy state, e.g., associations of words, but perceptual distortions make extremely unlikely the assimilation of complex verbal materials. It was also noticed that most verbal stimulations tended to produce a lightening of sleep as measured by the EEG. Based on the responses of some Ss the possibility of some form of subliminal perception during sleep was also raised.

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