Science supports Intuition
Although the idea that instrumental learning can occur subconsciously has been around for nearly a century, it had not been unequivocally demonstrated. Now, a new study published by Cell Press in the August 28 issue of the journal Neuron used sophisticated perceptual masking, computational modeling, and neuroimaging to show that instrumental learning can occur in the human brain without conscious processing of contextual cues.
The old adage that you should always trust your instincts is supported for the first time by a scientific study.
But there has been a more subtle phenomenon, billed as the foundation of intuition, where a seasoned poker player may play more successfully because they can pick up subtle signals in the body language of their opponents - without consciously realising it - to work out if they are bluffing..
Now, a new study published in the journal Neuron uses a blend of techniques, including brain scanning, to provide the first hard evidence that this so called "instrumental learning" can occur, showing we should trust our instincts.
In popular books such as Blink, it has been claimed that this form of intuition can result in a better decision than conscious reasoning, says lead author Dr Mathias Pessiglione from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging at the University College London.
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