The Flexible Nature of Unconscious Cognition
Author Information
Author(s): Wokke Martijn E., van Gaal Simon, Scholte H. Steven, Ridderinkhof K. Richard, Lamme Victor A. F.
Primary Institution: University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
Can unconscious stimuli trigger cognitive control processes in a goal-directed and flexible manner?
Conclusion
Unconscious information processing can be flexible and context-specific, similar to conscious processing.
Supporting Evidence
- Unconscious No-Go primes increased inhibition rates compared to Go primes.
- Unconscious No-Go primes slowed responses to Go targets.
- EEG results showed larger N2 and P3 components for No-Go targets compared to Go targets.
Takeaway
This study shows that our brains can respond to things we don't consciously see, and they can change how they respond based on the situation.
Methodology
Participants performed a Go/No-Go task with unconscious prime stimuli that varied on a trial-by-trial basis.
Limitations
The study's findings may not generalize beyond the specific task and stimuli used.
Participant Demographics
27 undergraduate psychology students (20 females, ages 19-26) from the University of Amsterdam.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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