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Is subliminal learning really passive?

Author

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  • Aaron R. Seitz

    (Harvard Medical School)

  • Takeo Watanabe

    (Boston University)

Abstract

Perceptual learning can occur as a result of exposure to a subliminal stimulus, without the subject having to pay attention and without relevance to the particular task in hand1 — but is this type of learning purely passive? Here we show that perceptual learning is not passive, but instead results from reinforcement by an independent task2,3. As this learning occurred on a subliminal feature, our results are inconsistent with attentional learning theories4,5 in which learning occurs only on stimuli to which attention is directed. Instead, our findings suggest that the successful recognition of a relevant stimulus can trigger an internal reward6 and give rise to the learning of irrelevant and even subliminal features that are correlated with the occurrence of the reward5,6.

Suggested Citation

  • Aaron R. Seitz & Takeo Watanabe, 2003. "Is subliminal learning really passive?," Nature, Nature, vol. 422(6927), pages 36-36, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:422:y:2003:i:6927:d:10.1038_422036a
    DOI: 10.1038/422036a
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    1. repec:thr:techub:10033:y:2022:i:1:p:164-186 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. David Pascucci & Tommaso Mastropasqua & Massimo Turatto, 2015. "Monetary Reward Modulates Task-Irrelevant Perceptual Learning for Invisible Stimuli," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(5), pages 1-12, May.
    3. Athanasios Drigas & Eleni Mitsea & Charalampos Skianis, 2022. "Subliminal Training Techniques for Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioural Balance. The role of Emerging Technologies," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 33(1), pages 164-186, July.

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