Picture processing with and without conscious knowledge of the prime : effects of physical similarity and interstimulus interval between the prime and target

This study investigated attributes of picture processing within a priming paradigm. Prime and target pictures were paired to create physical identity, name identity, and unrelated conditions. The primes were tachistoscopically presented both above and below naming threshold. In addition, interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of 90- and 490 msec were employed. Subjects were required to name the target pictures as quickly as possible. In the above threshold priming condition at both ISIs the physical identity pairs produced the greatest response facilitation, followed by the name identity pairs. In the below threshold priming condition, the only significant effect occurred at the 90 msec ISI, where the name identity condition showed response facilitation. The results are discussed in the contexts of attentional and automatic processing and the Warren and Morton (1982) revised logogen model.Thesis (M.A.