Non-conscious choice in cutaneous backword masking

A simple but effective method has been devised to explore backward masking in cutaneous sensation. In this method a weak electrical shock to the palm (test stimulus) is followed by a stronger shock to the same site (masking stimulus). By combining this stimulation strategy with a choice reaction time paradigm, it has been possible to show that the nervous system responds to the test stimuli even though they are not consciously perceived. …