title: A labeled lines explanation of the perceived spatial frequency of moderate-, near-threshold- and zero-contrast spatial patterns.
abstract: We tested the predictions of a multiple-channels model about the appearance of spatial patterns. Specifically we tested how encoding the perceived spatial frequency of a near-threshold pattern compared with encoding of a zero-contrast or moderate-contrast pattern. For example, the model predicts that the mean perceived spatial frequency of a near-threshold pattern is a weighted average of the response to the stimulus and the noise. Six subjects used the method of adjustment procedure to match a peripherally viewed test stimulus (or a blank) with a foveally viewed grating. For near-threshold patterns we found a smooth perceived spatial-frequency function, with a smaller range of perceived spatial frequencies than obtained for 0.16 contrast patterns. These results are consistent with the predictions of the model: noise can affect the appearance of near-threshold and zero-contrast patterns.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0170, USA.
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yager
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Kirkland
mesh_terms: D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology