I have a keen interest in psychology and the humanities.

I regularly check About.com’s psychology section. They have links to interesting theories regarding human nature. Including results from the latest studies on how people or other animals react to their environment.

Here is an excerpt from an excellent article published by the New York Times that gives you some insight into the characteristics of priming and subliminal influences:

“New studies have found that people tidy up more thoroughly when there’s a faint tang of cleaning liquid in the air; they become more competitive if there’s a briefcase in sight, or more cooperative if they glimpse words like “dependable” and “support” — all without being aware of the change, or what prompted it.

Psychologists say that “priming” people in this way is not some form of hypnotism, or even subliminal seduction; rather, it’s a demonstration of how everyday sights, smells and sounds can selectively activate goals or motives that people already have.”

Continue reading the full article here: Full Article