Recovery at short intervals between masking flashes

Recovery of a masked target (T + M) by a homogeneous flash (B) appears to follow a different rule at T-M intervals (t1) greater than 60 msec (Tenkink and Werner, 1981) than at shorter intervals (Purcell et al., 1982). The first study is now extended to shorter t1 and confirms the other study. Recovery peaks at a constant T-B interval (t2) of 60 msec (20 msec less than or equal to t1 less than or equal to 60 msec). Also a U-shaped curve relating correct performance to t1 was found (t2 greater than 120 msec). Two alternative explanations for the recovery phenomenon are presented. In both the important assumption is that the main effect of B is to suppress T and M activity at an early stage in the visual system.