Examining the Necessity of Attention for Consciousness in Iconic Memory Using ModifiedStroop Paradigm

One of the main challenging issues in cognitive science is the role of attention in consciousness. It is generally believed that attention is essential for consciousness. However, some studies have shown in some conditions, such as iconic memory, consciousness happens without attention. In previous studies, using iconic memory dual tasks in which attention is locally diverted to peripheral task in order to examine consciousness in the central task has caused the problem of expectation and previous knowledge in perception of the stimuli. The purpose of the present study was to test attention necessity for consciousness in iconic memory using the modified Stroop paradigm.

Thirty Participants subjects were selected and randomly assigned to the partial and whole report groups.

Participants had significantly more correct responses in the partial group compared to the whole report group both in congruent and incongruent conditions. This indicates that attentional bias to word processing in incongruent conditions did not affect the correct responses compared to congruent conditions.

Attention is not necessary for consciousness in iconic memory.