Introspection and subliminal perception

Authors: Thomas Zoëga Ramsøy¹; Morten Overgaard²

Source: Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, Volume 3, Number 1, 2004 , pp. 1-23(23)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Subliminal perception (SP) is today considered a well-supported theory stating that perception can occur without conscious awareness and have a significant impact on later behaviour and thought. In this article, we first present and discuss different approaches to the study of SP. In doing this, we claim that most approaches are based on a dichotomic measure of awareness. Drawing upon recent advances and discussions in the study of introspection and phenomenological psychology, we argue for both the possibility and necessity of using an elaborated measure of subjective states. In the second part of the article, we present findings where these considerations are implemented in an empirical study. The results and implications are discussed in detail, both with reference to SP, and in relation to the more general problem of using elaborate introspective reports as data in relation to studies of cognition.

Keywords: blindsight; introspection; nonconscious perception; Riddoch syndrome; residual phenomenality

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/B:PHEN.0000041900.30172.e8

Affiliations: 1: Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, MR Department, Section 340, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Kettegaard Allé 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark., Email: thomasr@magnet.drcmr.dk 2: Danish National Research Foundation's Centre for Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Aarhus University Hospital & University of Aarhus, Building 30, Norrebrogade 44, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Publication date: 2004-01-01