Influence of Set on Perception

Abstract

To examine the role which preparatory set plays in visual perception three groups of undergraduates were presented 10 items displayed tachistoscopically in .125-sec. exposures. The two experimental groups were each given a different preparatory set relevant to the content of the items. The third group, the control group, was given no preparatory set. Six of the 10 items displayed were ambiguous items which might be seen as belonging to either set. Although the two experimental groups perceived more items correctly than did the control group, an analysis of the responses indicated that preparatory set did influence perception. Each experimental group perceived three times as many items as belonging to its set as did the other group.