Science Sensai Episode - Can Subliminal Messages Alter the Outcome of an Election?
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010A 2007 study conducted by cognitive scientist Dr. Ran Hassin of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Psychology Department, (originally published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Dec. 4, 2007), shows that subliminal exposure to national flags affects political thought and behavior.
The short video below which gives more details about this study, was originally part of a series produced by ScienCentral. There is one MAJOR correction I must make regarding what the host says - about the FCC having outlawed subliminal advertising in 1974.
The FCC actually issued a “policy statement” in 1974 which gave their stance on subliminal advertising. It was largely the result of public outcry on the issue generated by the book, “Subliminal Seduction” by Wilson Bryan Key, (whom we interviewed for our documentary).
But, “policy statements” are not the same as “enforceable rules” and the FCC does not give any details on what is, or is not considered “subliminal advertising.” Furthermore, the FCC has no authority over the Advertising Community, but rather only the Broadcasters that deliver their messages.
