Acquisition of Abstract Knowledge in Implicit Learning of Anagram Solution Scheme

Abstract

The article addresses the problem of unconscious gaining of abstract knowledge. Participants solved circular 5-letter anagram arranged by the same invariant scheme. The learned schematic invariant is not perceptive, contrary to the usual invariant acquisition technique in other studies. The possibility of implicit learning of a solution scheme is discussed. Efficiency of anagram solving is compared between the groups with constant or changed solution scheme during the test stage. The change of the solution scheme leads to a decrease of efficiency, i.e. to the lower number of the solved anagrams. The results support the possibility of gaining unconscious abstract knowledge concerning the scheme without any perceptual invariant component. Possible use of a similar stimulus material in studies of interaction between visual and verbal components of working memory is briefly discussed.