What is it called when a stimulus goes unnoticed but might still influence thoughts or behavior?

The phenomenon where a stimulus goes unnoticed yet still has the capacity to influence thoughts or behaviors is referred to as subliminal perception. This concept is grounded in the idea that certain stimuli may be processed by the brain without being consciously recognized. For instance, subliminal messages can be presented below the threshold of awareness, meaning individuals are not consciously aware of them but can still be affected by their content.

In contrast, top-down processing involves interpreting sensory information based on existing knowledge and expectations, which requires conscious engagement with the stimulus. Signal detection theory focuses on how we discern between signal (noise or relevant information) and noise, emphasizing the processes involved in decision-making regarding detection, rather than the influence of unnoticed stimuli. Transduction relates to the conversion of physical stimuli into neural signals, which is a different process than the subtle influence of undetected stimuli on behavior and thought.