Abstract
As we are cognizant of only a fraction of the available visual inputs at any given time, how is information selected for access to consciousness? In particular, does the personal significance of stimuli influence perceptual selection? Given that self-relevant information is prioritized during various stages of processing, here we hypothesized that self-association may privilege access to awareness under continuous flash suppression (CFS). The results supported this prediction. Compared with geometric shapes referenced to either a friend or stranger, those previously associated with self were prioritized in visual awareness. To establish the basis of this effect, the processes underlying task performance were investigated using a hierarchical drift diffusion model approach. These analyses showed that self-prioritization mapped onto both the decisional (i.e., starting value, z) and nondecisional (i.e., t₀) parameters of the diffusion model. The implications of these findings are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record
DOI
10.1037/xhp0000361
Publication Date
2017-03-01
Publication Title
Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance
Volume
43
Issue
3
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
ISSN
1939-1277
Embargo Period
2024-11-22
First Page
438
Last Page
443
Recommended Citation
Macrae, C., Visokomogilski, A., Golubickis, M., Cunningham, W., & Sahraie, A. (2017) 'Self-relevance prioritizes access to visual awareness.', Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 43(3), pp. 438-443. American Psychological Association (APA): Available at: https://doi.org/10.1037/xhp0000361
