title: Metacontrast with masks varying in spatial frequency and wavelength.
abstract: In a metacontrast masking paradigm, adult subjects were required to detect briefly presented target lines followed at various delays by a flanking mask varying in spatial frequency and wavelength. Detection accuracy, the dependent measure, was recorded as a function of the delay of the mask. The results showed that long wavelength masks produced maximum masking at a relatively short delay, while short wavelength masks produced maximum masking at a relatively long delay. Results are discussed within the framework of transient/sustained (magnocellular/parvocellular) theory of visual processing, and suggest that low spatial frequency channels respond with shorter latency and/or faster rise time to short wavelength stimuli, and high spatial frequency channels respond with greater sensitivity to long wavelength stimuli.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, LA 70148.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Breitmeyer
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Lovegrove
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003118:Color Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010470:Perceptual Masking / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors