Expectancy effects on spatial frequency processing.
We explored top-down modulation of spatial frequency (SF) processing. When auditory pre-cueing directed observers' attention to one of two 4-octaves (SF) apart plaid components observers tended to perceive the cued component, suggesting selective attention to the SF channel they expected to carry task relevant information. In agreement, pre-cueing had no effect with components often processed by the same channel (0.5-octaves apart). Further, effects of expectancy were greater than of uncertainty and were SF tuned. Combined our findings suggest top-down modulation of early, cortical, SF processing. We argue this could similarly explain the previously reported influences of categorisation on SF processing.
Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK. p.sowden@surrey.ac.uk
Paul T
PT
Sowden
Emre
E
Ozgen
Philippe G
PG
Schyns
Christine
C
Daoutis
D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D003463:Cues; D004056:Differential Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D004193:Discrimination Learning / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology; D010470:Perceptual Masking / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*