priming
PRY-ming
/ˈpraɪmɪŋ/
An implicit memory effect in which exposure to one stimulus influences a response to a subsequent stimulus without conscious guidance.
Operates entirely subconsciously, pre-activating neural pathways for faster or altered recognition later.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'primus' (first). The term entered technical English via mechanical engineering ('priming a pump' by pouring water into it first). In the 1970s, cognitive psychologists adopted 'priming' to describe how introducing a 'first' stimulus prepares the brain to process a second related concept faster.
Word relationships
- preconditioning: Preconditioning refers to physical or behavioral training, whereas priming specifically targets implicit cognitive association.
Commonly confused with
- conditioning: Conditioning creates learned behavioral responses over repeated trials, while priming is an immediate, often single-exposure subconscious shift.
Word family
- prime (verb): To prepare or pre-activate a cognitive concept in memory
Collocations
- semantic priming
- repetition priming
- perceptual priming
- priming effect
Idioms & expressions
- prime the pump
Example sentences
- "Showing participants the word 'yellow' triggered semantic priming, making them identify the word 'banana' significantly faster." Cognitive psychology
- "Supermarkets use subtle sensory priming, playing soft classical music to subtly induce shoppers to purchase higher-end wines." Behavioral economics
Memory hook
PRIMING puts the FIRST concept into your mind so the second one jumps out instantly. First idea primes the next.
When not to use
Do not confuse with physical 'priming' like applying primer paint to a wall unless using an explicit metaphor.
Fun facts
- Priming works even when the first stimulus is flashed so quickly (subliminally) that you don't consciously realize you saw it.
Explore more words
subliminal, subconscious, automaticity, intuition, conditioned, bias
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