Subliminal messages are messages that are presented in a way that are not consciously perceived but are meant to be registered subconsciously. These are typically used to influence one’s behavior or attitude through inserting one or more ‘hidden’ messages. Means vary and we distinguish several types, among which visual or auditory are the most common. Subliminal messages are sometimes advertised in self-help tools with different promises, such as the one for quitting smoking. The most infamous ones are believed to be used in commercial or political advertisements since the first half of the twentieth century.

Is it daunting that we are being presented with messages that we only subconsciously register? Or rather intriguing? Such manipulative techniques in particular open pathways for both abuse and benefit. Whether they are known as a brainwashing tool or self-help guides, one thing is sure – their effects are still highly debatable. Laws forbid them but their effects have been highly debated; there are different opinions on the influences that these messages have on consumers. Although most research dismisses the influences claimed by marketers, recent research has shown that their effects might be stronger than previously thought.

Research question: we wonder if subliminal messages can be detected in brain activity with simple EEG equipment. We would like to investigate how much, and if at all the subliminal messages have an impact on brain activity. While we do not expect to distinguish between varying effects of different types of messages on brain activity, we expect to see some effect. It would also be interesting to follow up and see how lasting an impact on our subjects will be.

The final report of our group can be see here:

 http://staff.science.uva.nl/~ghebreab/ICC2010/MindOverMatter.pdf

 The final presentation is included in the attachment