This concept would not be considered economically reasonable or realistic for advertisers. (Haberstroh, 34-36) .
Most of the evidence concerning subliminal perception involves flashing visual images lasting for approximately 5ms in duration, a time period short enough where most people do not become aware that the flashing image ever took place. This particular type of analysis involving flashing images is referred to as tachistoscopic experimentation. The subliminal effects in this case concern the conformation of attitudes toward a certain image or creating brief emotional responses. This plays a very important rule on how we mentally process images in very small and unpredictable ways. (Shiffman, 102, 105-106).
Vicary's Study: The Invisible Commercial .
Subliminally flashing message research began in the 1950's, when the tachistoscope, a device in which the flashing of images takes place, was first used for research purposes. At this time, many claimed that subliminal effects existed, although most claims were false or exaggerated. There have been many scientific experiments performed over the years to test the perception boundaries in several ways and determine whether messages can be hidden from awareness but still influence behavior. James Vicary conducted the most famous study in this field; he was a consultant in the marketing field (Haberstroh, 27-29).
Figure 1 Tachistoscope .
In 1957, James Vicary performed his well-known subliminal stimuli experiment, referred to as the "invisible commercial." The experiment was based on the theory of subliminal perception. If his hypothesis were true, it would allow advertisers to flash sales messages on television without the viewers being consciously aware of them. The plan of the experiment was for the messages to reach the audience subconsciously. Vicary believed that subliminal advertising would benefit the consumer because it would reduce the irritating commercials seen on television and allow more time for entertainment purposes.