Cortical activation elicited by unrecognized stimuli

Rajendra D. Badgaiyan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: It is unclear whether a stimulus that cannot be recognized consciously, could elicit a well-processed cognitive response. Methods: We used functional imaging to examine the pattern of cortical activation elicited by unrecognized stimuli during memory processing. Subjects were given a recognition task using recognizable and non-recognizable subliminal stimuli. Results: Unrecognized stimuli activated the cortical areas that are associated with retrieval attempt (left prefrontal), and novelty detection (left hippocampus). This indicates that the stimuli that were not consciously recognized, activated neural network associated with aspects of explicit memory processing. Conclusion: Results suggest that conscious recognition of stimuli is not necessary for activation of cognitive processing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number17
JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions
Volume2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 16 2006
Externally publishedYes

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