Effects of Subliminal Stimuli on Dreams: Further Evidence against the Spence-Holland Theory

Abstract

Individual recognition thresholds were defined for each of 48 Ss. 3 experimental groups with 8 Ss each received colored slides of animals below, at, or above the defined limen; respective control groups received other inverted slides. Ss were given a forced-choice test where correct answers named the animals on the slides. Correct verbal descriptions were rewarded with money, and Ss recorded their dreams for the following week. 3 judges rated the degree to which experimental and control stimuli were manifest in the dreams. No support was found for the Spence and Holland (1962) theory that subliminal stimuli are more pervasive than liminal or supraliminal stimuli in their effect on unconscious thought processes.