Subliminal Stimulation

Subliminal stimulation is sensory stimulation that is below a person's threshold for perception. It can't be seen by the naked eye or consciously heard. An example would be visual stimuli that is flashed so quickly on a screen that a person can't process it so therefore they are unaware they have seen anything. Subliminal stimulation can also be auditory where a noise is played so quietly it cannot be consciously heard. Another example is backmasking which is when songs are played backwards they contain hidden messages. Research suggests that usage of subliminal stimulation in advertising is ineffective but some research has shown that effects can occur. Self-help tapes often have claims of effectiveness by using subliminal stimulation.