Psychology 2115A/B Lecture : lec 3.doc

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2115A/B
• Professor: N/ A

Document Summary

Mcgennies experiment (1949) - perceptual defense mechanism, present taboo words to experimenters to measure threshold. Use ascending method of limits (exposure time-ms) to present words on screen to experimenters to see if they can perceive it accurately. Difference between normal/taboo words also includes frequency of use. Two/more independent variables being manipulated at the same time is called confound. Problem with confounds: cause of difference/effect is unknown: confound with frequency. Response bias (e. g. afraid to admit seeing taboo words/doubts) Howens soloman (1951) - people claim to perceive frequent words with lower threshold than infrequent words. Soloman & post- man (1952) - used non-words in as- cending method of limits (exposure time), words used repeatedly. Did not use methods to prevent response bias. Used 3 lettered non- words, used repeat- edly (5,10 or 25 times) Experimenters are told that non- word dar would be presented.