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How to Create and Use Binocular Rivalry
Published on: November 10, 2010
Effect of transient versus sustained activation on interocular suppression.
David F Nichols1, Hugh R Wilson
1Centre for Vision Research, 0009 Computer Science and Engineering Bldg., 4700 Keele St., York University, Toronto, Ont., Canada. dnichols@cvr.yorku.ca
Vision Research
|November 11, 2008
Summary
Binocular rivalry and flash suppression likely use the same interocular suppression mechanism. Computational modeling suggests differences arise from sustained versus transient surround stimulation, impacting perceptual dominance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Perceptual dominance shifts in binocular rivalry and flash suppression suggest interocular suppression.
- Previous research has not clarified if these phenomena employ distinct suppression mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether binocular rivalry and flash suppression utilize the same or different interocular suppression mechanisms.
- To explore the role of surrounds in modulating suppression magnitude for each technique.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monocular, centrally fixated sinusoidal gratings surrounded by rivalrous gratings.
- Employed both binocular rivalry and flash suppression techniques to induce suppression.
- Incorporated computational modeling to analyze the effects of sustained versus transient stimulation.
Main Results:
- Both binocular rivalry and flash suppression could suppress central gratings.
- Flash suppression magnitude was independent of ipsilateral surrounds, unlike binocular rivalry where fusible surrounds abolished suppression.
- Computational models indicated differences were due to contralateral surround stimulation timing.
Conclusions:
- Perceptual dominance in both binocular rivalry and flash suppression likely relies on a shared interocular suppression mechanism.
- The observed differences are attributable to the temporal dynamics of contralateral surround stimulation.
