biostudies-literatureAly MNIMH NIH HHSe30231https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC3260249biostudies-literatureUnknown7(1)Subjective experience indicates that mental states are discrete, in the sense that memories and perceptions readily come to mind in some cases, but are entirely unavailable to awareness in others. However, a long history of psychophysical research has indicated that the discrete nature of mental states is largely epiphenomenal and that mental processes vary continuously in strength. We used a novel combination of behavioral methodologies to examine the processes underlying perception of complex images: (1) analysis of receiver operating characteristics (ROCs), (2) a modification of the change-detection flicker paradigm, and (3) subjective reports of conscious experience. These methods yielded converging results showing that perceptual judgments reflect the combined, yet functionally indepePloS oneBridging consciousness and cognition in memory and perception: evidence for both state and strength processes.PMC3260249R01 MH083734MH083734Yonelinas APAly MfalseBridging consciousness and cognition in memory and perception: evidence for both state and strength processes.Subjective experience indicates that mental states are discrete, in the sense that memories and perceptions readily come to mind in some cases, but are entirely unavailable to awareness in others. However, a long history of psychophysical research has indicated that the discrete nature of mental states is largely epiphenomenal and that mental processes vary continuously in strength. We used a novel combination of behavioral methodologies to examine the processes underlying perception of complex images: (1) analysis of receiver operating characteristics (ROCs), (2) a modification of the change-detection flicker paradigm, and (3) subjective reports of conscious experience. These methods yielded converging results showing that perceptual judgments reflect the combined, yet functionally indepe2012-01-01T00:00:00Z20122026-04-08T15:38:13.143Z2026-04-08T05:16:01.704ZS-EPMC32602492227231410.1371/journal.pone.0030231