The “Orienting Reflex” as an Input Indicator in “Subliminal” Perception

Abstract

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.