title: Modulation of spatiotemporal dynamics of binocular rivalry by collinear facilitation and pattern-dependent adaptation.
abstract: The role of collinear facilitation was investigated to test predictions of a model for traveling waves of dominance during binocular rivalry (H. Wilson, R. Blake, & S. Lee, 2001). In Experiment 1, we characterized traveling wave dynamics using a recently developed technique called periodic perturbation (M.-S. Kang, D. Heeger, & R. Blake, 2009). Results reveal that the propagation speed of waves for a collinear stimulus increased regardless of whether that stimulus was suppressed (replicating earlier work) or dominant; this latter finding is contrary to the model's prediction. In Experiment 2, we measured perceptual dominance durations within a localized region in the center of two rival stimuli that varied in degree of collinearity. Results reveal that increased collinearity did not change average dominance durations regardless of the rivalry phase of the stimulus, again contrary to the model's prediction. Incorporating pattern-dependent modulation of adaptation rate into the model accounted for results from both experiments. Using model simulations, we show how interactions between collinear facilitation and pattern-dependent adaptation may influence the dynamics of binocular rivalry. We also discuss alternative interpretations of our findings, including the possible role of surround suppression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA. m.suk.kang@gmail.com
authors.forename: Min-Suk
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Sang-Hun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: June
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Heeger
authors.forename: Randolph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blake
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D003198:Computer Simulation; D023882:Dominance, Ocular; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D015357:Vision Disparity / Q000502:physiology*; D015348:Vision, Binocular / Q000502:physiology*; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*