Tracing Subliminal Memory Traces

Abstract:   This study aims to explore subliminally encoded memory traces over time in an Attentional Blink (AB) paradigm. The AB paradigm consisted of a Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) of numbers among which two targets (T1) a simple math task, and (T2) a single letter (A, S, D, or F) were to be identified. Two direct behavioral measures, T2 accuracy and T2 Response Time (RT) were used. Conscious perception was measured with the subjective Perceptual Awareness Scale (PAS). The expectations was to find a decline in T2 accuracy, and increase in RT over three memory storage lengths (150ms, 3000ms, 7000ms). There were 21 participants, 21-32 years of age, out of which 8 were female. Each of the memory storage lengths showed significant behavioral effects (p< .001), which indicates unconscious perception. However, the repeated measure ANOVA did not find any significant differences for the three memory storage lengths (p> .05) over time. Thus, it was concluded that subliminally encoded memory traces seem to be able to persist for at least 7000ms without end in sight. The result challenge the 500ms limit usually accepted, and thus there is reason to continue to trace subliminal memory traces.