Detection and Cognition without Awareness

Abstract

Three groups were tachistoscopically presented with incomplete series of digits, e.g., 1, 2, —, 4, at one of 3 levels, at detection threshold or at 1 SD above or below the threshold. Ss' “task” was to interpolate (or extrapolate) each series with the correct digit. The first-digit responses of the Above Threshold group showed a significant tendency to match the stimulus digit. When the stimulus was a blank, the responses were of a random nature, i.e., no significant interpolative or extrapolative response tendencies were found. No significant effects were found in Threshold or Below Threshold groups. Thus, stimuli presented at levels up to and including a detection threshold did not convey sufficient information to influence measurably responses to this type of cognitive task.