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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
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How to Create and Use Binocular Rivalry
Published on: November 10, 2010
Probing visual consciousness: rivalry between eyes and images
Rishi Bhardwaj1, Robert P O'Shea, David Alais
1Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. bhari434@student.otago.ac.nz
Journal of Vision
|October 4, 2008
Summary
Binocular rivalry involves alternating perception between two stimuli. This study found that competition between images, not eyes, leads to weaker suppression during rivalry.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Binocular rivalry occurs when dissimilar images are presented to each eye, leading to alternating conscious perception.
- Understanding the neural mechanisms of binocular rivalry is crucial for deciphering visual awareness and information processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether binocular rivalry involves competition between the eyes or between the visual images themselves.
- To quantify the depth of suppression under different rivalry conditions.
Main Methods:
- Monocular probes were used to measure suppression depth in conventional binocular rivalry and eye-swapping rivalry conditions.
- Stimuli included a small spot or contrast increment presented with or without 18-Hz flicker.
- Both yes-no and forced-choice procedures were employed to assess perceptual suppression.
Main Results:
- Conventional rivalry conditions demonstrated significant suppression depth.
- Eye-swapping rivalry conditions exhibited markedly reduced suppression depth.
- Flicker did not significantly alter suppression depth in either condition.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that conventional binocular rivalry involves competition at both the eye and image levels.
- Eye-swapping rivalry primarily involves competition between images, with minimal eye-based competition.
- Suppression depth serves as a key indicator differentiating the locus of competition in binocular rivalry.
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