2016 Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 1-10
Participants performed an association-learning task between colors and geometric figures. In the explicit presentation condition, the color and the figure were fully visible. In the implicit presentation condition, a continuous flash suppression technique was used so that the pairs were not consciously visible. After the learning procedure was complete, participants performed a two-alternative, forced-choice task in which they were to choose the learned pairs. In one-third of the trials, unlearned pairs were presented (the non-presentation condition). During the choice task, participant's eye movements were monitored. Results indicated that in all three conditions, there was a gaze bias toward the chosen pair prior to the response (gaze cascade effect, e.g., Shimojo, Simion, Shimojo, & Scheier, 2003). The gaze bias in the implicit presentation condition was higher than in the non-presentation condition. Moreover, the gaze bias started earlier in the implicit presentation condition than in the other conditions. These results supported the hypothesis that the gaze cascade effect reflects the process by which implicit information is used in making conscious decisions. Possible mechanisms of the gaze cascade effect are discussed.
