Question
Which of the following statements most accurately describes subliminal perception?
Ernst Weber attempted to use subliminal messages to entice moviegoers at a
public theater to buy more snacks without them knowing they were being
persuaded.
Children, around the age of 2, begin to detect trustworthiness in subliminally
presented faces.
Subliminal perception can play a role in social interaction.
Newer studies have failed to yield convincing evidence for the effectiveness of
persuasive subliminal messages.
Ernst Weber attempted to use subliminal messages to entice moviegoers at a
public theater to buy more snacks without them knowing they were being
persuaded.
Children, around the age of 2, begin to detect trustworthiness in subliminally
presented faces.
Subliminal perception can play a role in social interaction.
Newer studies have failed to yield convincing evidence for the effectiveness of
persuasive subliminal messages.
Ask by Wilson Chambers. in the United States
Mar 30,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Subliminal perception does not effectively influence behavior, as newer studies have not found strong evidence that persuasive subliminal messages work.
Solution
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The first statement incorrectly attributes an attempt to use subliminal messages in advertising to Ernst Weber, who is known for his work on sensory perception (Weber’s law), not for using subliminal methods in marketing.
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The second statement is overly specific about children detecting trustworthiness from subliminally presented faces. While research has explored social judgments based on minimal cues, this statement is not a well‐established or widely accepted description of subliminal perception.
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The third statement is vague. Saying that “subliminal perception can play a role in social interaction” does not capture the key evidence and common findings regarding subliminal effects, and it lacks specificity about the limitations of such influences.
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The fourth statement reflects the prevailing consensus in the literature. Although early studies and much popular interest suggested that subliminal messages could significantly manipulate behavior, more carefully controlled studies have consistently failed to provide convincing evidence for strong, persuasive effects of subliminal stimuli.
Thus, the statement that most accurately describes subliminal perception is:
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Subliminal perception first entered the spotlight in the 1950s when advertiser James Vicary made waves by claiming that he could increase popcorn and soda sales by flashing messages too quickly for moviegoers to consciously register. Though it was later revealed to be a hoax, the concept of subliminal messages sparked a fascination that lingers today. Its implications on consumer behavior and psychology have made it a hot topic for researchers ever since!
In recent years, studies have increasingly cast doubt on the real-world effectiveness of subliminal messaging. While earlier research suggested that these hidden cues could influence thoughts and behaviors, more recent work indicates that any potential effects are minimal at best. Science today often points toward conscious awareness and critical thinking as far more effective in shaping our decisions than those fleeting, subliminal whispers!
