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.
Sowden
Paul T
PT
Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK. p.sowden@surrey.ac.uk
Ozgen
Emre
E
Schyns
Philippe G
PG
Daoutis
Christine
C
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*