ABSTRACT
One of the dimensions most frequently used to describe human performance is the distinction between automatic and nonautomatic performance. Automatic processing has most frequently been defined in terms of a list of features. The three features common to most definitions of automaticity are the absence of: (1) attentional limitations; (2) consciousness; and (3) control. Thus, automatic processing is assumed to be insensitive to attentional limitations, either because it does not require resources or because it has privileged access to resources. Furthermore, automatic processing is said to occur without intention: when activated, it runs to completion; it cannot be suppressed; and its products are hard to ignore.
