Abstract
In two experiments, two-choice forced-choice duration thresholds for increment test flashes were estimated during phases of rivalry suppression and nonsuppression and for a nonrivalry monocular control condition. In both experiments thresholds of both eyes of each S were measured and, to maximize correct detections, feedback was given after every trial and Ss were relieved of the task of continually reporting changes in rivalry phases. Results of both experiments support the conclusion that suppression constitutes an elevation in threshold, on the order of .5 log units relative to thresholds found during nonsuppression and monocular conditions. These data, in concert with others, reinforce the general conclusion that rivalry suppression is an inhibitory state that nonselectively attenuates all classes of inputs falling within the spatial boundaries of the suppressed target.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
BLACKWELL, H. R.Psychophysical thresholds: Experimental studies of methods of measurement. Ann Arbor: Engineering Research Institute, University of Michigan, 1953.
CORNSWEET, T. N., & PINSKER, H. M. Luminance discrimination of brief flashes under various conditions of adaptation. Journal of Physiology, 1965, 176, 294–310.
FOX, R., & CHECK, R. Forced-choice form recognition during binocular rivalry. Psychonornic Science, 1966, 6, 471–472.
FOX, R., & CHECK, R. Detection of motion during binocular rivalry suppression. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1968, 78, 388–395.
GERBRANDS, R., & STEVENS, S. S. A high-intensity flash source. American Journal of Psychology, 1964, 77, 643–646.
GUILFORD, J. P.Psychometric methods.New York: McGraw-Hill, 1954.
KAHNEMAN, D. Method, findings, and theory in studies of visual masking. Psychological Bulletin, 1968, 70, 404–425.
VERHOEFF, F. H. A new theory of binocular vision. Archives of Ophthalmology, 1935, 13, 151–175.
WOODWORTH, R. S.Experimental psychology. New York: Henry Holt, 1938.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This report is based on the thesis submitted for the MA degree awarded to the senior author under the supervision of the junior author. The research was supported in part by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, NB 07619.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wales, R., Fox, R. Increment detection thresholds during binocular rivalry suppression. Perception & Psychophysics 8, 90–94 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03210180
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03210180