Implicit learning of event sequence

Abstract

This research examined whether an event sequence of spatially ordered stimuli can be learned implicitly in a modified procedure of the task developed by Nissen and Bullemer (1987). A stimulus (asterisk) was presented in one of four spatial locations on each trial and subjests responded by pressing a corresponding key and they were not instructed to learn the sequence. In a 100-trial block, two kinds of 10-trial sequences, one was a repeating sequence and the other was a random one, occured alternately. After eight blocks were admistered, although all subjects were not aware of the presence of the repeating sequence, it was learned as assesed by performance measure, that is, reduction of reaction time. It is concluded that learning of the repeating sequence was implicit because subjects had neither intention to learn nor awareness of the repeating sequence.