Man can solve problems in the unconscious

People can handle short sentences and solve maths before they are aware of the words and numbers before their eyes, according to a new study. This shows that we really do not need to be fully conscious to perform rules-based tasks like reading and arithmetic.

According to Live Science, in a series of experiments at the Jewish University of Jerusalem, more than 300 volunteer students were unconsciously exposed to words and math through a research technique called Continuous flash inhibitor (CFS).

By CFS method, a static image appears in front of an eye while images change quickly, flashing through the other eye of the subject. Initially, the changing images constantly dominate the subject's attention, causing the still image to enter the subconscious before suddenly appearing in consciousness.

In the first part of the study, one eye of a volunteer is shown a phrase or a static sentence while the other eye is allowed to see the phrase or sentence but with different shapes and colors changes continuity. The study subjects were asked to ring the bell as soon as they recognized the sentences.

As a result, identification usually takes about 1 second, but for phrases that have negative connotations such as 'trafficking in people' and meaningless sentences like 'I am coffee' , the process is faster than with the identification of phrases with positive meaning and more coherent words like 'I'm clothing'.

In the second part of the study, the team examines how the unconscious brain handles math problems. Also with the CFS method, they subconsciously exposed subjects to 3-digit operations such as '9 - 3 - 4' for 2 seconds or shorter. After that, volunteers were shown a number (without interfering with CFS) and asked to read it aloud. As a result, they read the number aloud as the correct answer of the previous operation faster than any other figure. For example, after watching the '9 - 3 - 4' operation , the students will read the number '2' out loud faster than other numbers. What revealed, they solved the subconscious operation and had the answer ready to pop out.

Other recent studies have shown that people can unconsciously perform tasks that are often associated with conscious states such as reading and intuitive formation. New research has added evidence of the ability to perform complex activities, following the rules of the unconscious brain.

Psychologist Ran Hassin, a member of the research team, claims the results of their work imply, current theories about unconscious processes in the human brain need to be revised.

'These adjustments will bring us closer to solving one of the greatest scientific mysteries of the 21st century: What are the functions of human consciousness?' , Hassin added.