Related Experiment Videos
A role for a low level mechanism in determining plaid coherence
D Burke1, D Alais, P Wenderoth
1Department of Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia.
Vision Research
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Perception of 2D motion coherence relies on a monocular mechanism, not just the intersection of constraints model. Adapting one eye to visual stimuli significantly impacts motion perception in that same eye.
Area of Science:
- Visual neuroscience
- Perceptual psychology
Background:
- The "intersection of constraints" model explains 2D motion perception.
- Recent studies suggest this model is incomplete, indicating a second, monocular mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of a monocular mechanism in the perceived coherence of drifting plaids.
- To determine if this mechanism is influenced by prior visual exposure.
Main Methods:
- Monocular adaptation paradigm using drifting gratings or plaids.
- Measuring coherence thresholds for test plaids presented to adapted and unadapted eyes.
Main Results:
- Prior monocular exposure significantly elevated coherence thresholds in the tested eye.
- Threshold elevation was minimal when the test plaid was presented to the unadapted eye.
- Results suggest coherence judgments depend on a monocular process, potentially "blob tracking".
Conclusions:
- The perceived coherence of drifting plaids is primarily controlled by a monocular mechanism.
- This mechanism may be the "blob tracking" system proposed in prior research.
- Binocular exposure might inhibit this monocular motion perception mechanism.