Affective discrimination of stimuli that cannot be recognized

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The mere-exposure effect suggests familiarity enhances liking.
• Previous research indicates recognition is typically required for this effect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if preferences form without conscious recognition.
• To examine the role of subliminal exposure in preference development.

Main Methods:

• Exposing animal and human subjects to stimuli under conditions that prevent conscious recognition.
• Measuring subsequent object preferences.

Main Results:

• Subjects developed significant preferences for previously exposed stimuli.
• Preference formation occurred despite the inability to consciously recognize the objects.

Conclusions:

• Conscious recognition is not necessary for the development of preferences based on exposure.
• Subliminal exposure can influence affective responses and liking.