The influence of uncounscious exposure of incompatible olfactory and visual stimuli on cognitive resources

Abstract

Purpose of the research. The aim of this study was to check whether the unconscious incompatibility of sensations received by the senses of smell and vision affects the speed and correctness of tasks using attention resources. The incompatibility between the stimuli was based on presenting incompatible smells and colours.

Metodology. The study used the computer game Wondering Circles, which is based on MOT - Multiple Object Tracking. Two indicators were used for the analysis - response time and number of hits - that is correctly indicated circles. The olfactory stimulus during the study was peppermint oil, applied in a special container. The subjects played in two variants - compatible, when the background of the computer game corresponded to the mint flavour and incompatible, when the background of the game did not correspond to the mint flavour.

Results. The analysis showed that the incompatibility between odor-visual modalities affects the total time of the task. This time in the incompatible variant is longer than in the compatible variant. It has not been shown that playing in the non-corresponding option had a significant impact on the number of hits, however, we can talk here about a certain tendency convergent with the assumptions of our hypothesis.

Conclusions. The study showed that our senses do not work in isolation from each other. In addition, they play an important role in the speed of performing tasks based on attention processes. The result obtained at the level of the tendency consistent with the assumptions of our hypothesis may be a great premise to continue our research on the issues raised by us. In future research, it would be necessary to exclude the influence of other variables, including use automatic aroma application, random selection of participants and unify the time of day to carry out research.