Subliminal perception currently remains a significantly controversial topic in our society. Studies have been conducted to prove the existence of subliminal perception and the effect of subliminal stimuli on various research experiments. Today, we are still learning new things about this phenomenon. .
Definition.
Subliminal perception or subliminal projection refers to the presentation of stimuli below a person's conscience awareness, in an attempt to influence behavior and feelings. It is a technique of extending information below the absolute threshold of sensation, or awareness. Messages, or stimuli, are received by the senses and retained below the sense of awareness. Messages played backwards have the ability to be recognized, but they have never had influential capabilities over people. An observer receives these specific subliminal messages subconsciously without realizing he or she even noticed it. However, there is no information that proves that people are able to learn new ideas through their subconscious state of mind. Only simple one or two word phrases can be processed, not difficult and complex statements. Stimuli that are too weak or too brief to be consciously heard or seen may be still be strong enough to be perceived by one or more receptor cells. This process places bounds on what can be done using particular methods of subliminal projection. (Taylor, Communication 23, 25-27).
Applications in Advertising.
Subliminal perception contains hidden phrases or other symbols located in visible images. Evidence shows that at one point, advertisers used these types of images in their work to attract consumers to their particular product. Reviews performed on subliminal projection show that the only possible way for a subliminal stimuli to have major persuasive effects on a person would only occur by using long-term repetitive contact within a specific amount of circumstances.