Recent models and findings in visual backward masking: A comparison, review, and update

Abstract

Visual backward masking not only is an empirically rich and theoretically interesting phenomenon but also has found increasing application as a powerful methodological tool in studies of visual information processing and as a useful instrument for investigating visual function in a variety of specific subject populations. Since the dual-channel, sustained-transient approach to visual masking was introduced about two decades ago, several new models of backward masking and metacontrast have been proposed as alternative approaches to visual masking. In this article, we outline, review, and evaluate three such approaches: an extension of the dual-channel approach as realized in the neural network model of retino-cortical dynamics (Ogmen, 1993), the perceptual retouch theory (Bachmann, 1984(Bachmann, , 1994, and the boundary contour system (Francis, 1997;Grossberg & Mingolla, 1985b). Recent psychophysical and electrophysiological findings relevant to backward masking are reviewed and, whenever possible, are related to the aforementioned models. Besides noting the positive aspects of these models, we also list their problems and suggest changes that may improve them and experiments that can empirically test them.Visual masking occurs whenever the visibility of one stimulus, called the target, is reduced by the presence of another stimulus, designated as the mask. Visual masking has been, and continues to be, a powerful psychophysical tool for investigating the steady-state properties of spatial-processing mechanisms

Interactions between Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and μ opioid receptor agonists in rhesus monkeys: discrimination and antinociception

“…Breitmeyer and Ogmen 2000) and conditions (e.g. McClure 2001); this concept might be relevant for understanding polydrug use as well as the actions of drugs with multiple mechanisms of action, such as ethanol (Grant 1999), where a mosaic of stimulus effects is not mimicked by any one component of that stimulus.…”

On-line simulations of models for backward masking

“…When target percept strength is plotted against SOA, the curve takes a U-shape. Accounting for the U-shaped masking function is considered a primary issue in the field of backward masking (Breitmeyer & Ogmen, 2000;Francis, 2000). Figure 4A shows the behavior of the model when the independent variable is SOA instead of mask duration.…”

“…Backward masking has been investigated in thousands of studies with a variety of experimental manipulations (see Breitmeyer &, for recent reviews).…”

Backwards Masking

“…(may want to list other domains here). In a typical backward masking paradigm, a visual stimulus (such as a letter) is rapidly presented and followed by a mask that encompasses the area of the visual field where the initial stimuli was presented (Breitmeyer and Ogmen 2000). The presentation of the initial stimulus, while rapid, is sufficiently long enough for a non-backward masked presentation to be perceptible.…”