Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:33
Local Field Fluorescence Microscopy: Imaging Cellular Signals in Intact Hearts
Published on: March 8, 2017
Transient signals per se do not disrupt the flash-lag effect
Piers D Howe1, Todd S Horowitz, Jeremy M Wolfe
1Visual Attention Lab, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139.
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|September 28, 2011
Summary
Visual perception is not driven by competing transient and predictive signals as previously theorized. Instead, our experiments reveal that vision is postdictive, with later events influencing our perception of earlier ones.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Psychology
Background:
- Nijhawan's theory posits that transient and predictive signals compete to form visual percepts.
- This theory assumes a specific mechanism for visual processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally test Nijhawan's theory of visual perception.
- To investigate the role of transient versus predictive signals in visual processing.
- To explore alternative models of visual perception, such as postdiction.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of visual stimuli.
- Psychophysical measurements of visual perception.
- Comparison of results against theoretical predictions.
Main Results:
- Experimental data contradicted the assumption that transient signals compete with predictive signals.
- The findings did not support Nijhawan's model of visual perception.
Conclusions:
- Vision is not solely based on the competition between transient and predictive signals.
- Evidence supports an alternative postdictive theory, where later events influence earlier perceptions.
- This challenges existing models and suggests a revised understanding of visual processing.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Series R—L Circuit Transients
In a series resistor-inductor (R-L) circuit, closing the switch at the start of the time period simulates a three-phase short circuit, a fault condition where all three phases of an unloaded synchronous machine are short-circuited. When there is no fault impedance and no initial current, the initial voltage is determined by the phase angle of the source voltage.
Using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) to analyze this circuit helps determine the total asymmetrical fault current, which consists of...
Using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) to analyze this circuit helps determine the total asymmetrical fault current, which consists of...
01:24Transient and Steady-state Response
In control systems, test signals are essential for evaluating performance under various conditions. The ramp function is effective for systems undergoing gradual changes, while the step function is suitable for assessing systems facing sudden disturbances. For systems subjected to shock inputs, the impulse function is the most appropriate test signal.
These test signals are integral in designing control systems to exhibit two key performance aspects: transient response and steady-state response.
These test signals are integral in designing control systems to exhibit two key performance aspects: transient response and steady-state response.
01:27Fast Reactions
Fast reactions occurring in times shorter than the time needed to mix reactants pose a unique challenge for investigation. In a liquid-phase continuous-flow system, reactants A and B are swiftly pushed into the mixing chamber, where mixing occurs within 1 ms. The reaction mixture then flows through an observation tube, and one measures light absorption to determine species concentrations at various points of the tube. This method is most appropriate when relatively large volumes of reactants...