Loading...
The role of feedback in visual masking and visual processing
Journal Title
Advances in Cognitive Psychology
Readers/Advisors
Journal Title
Term and Year
Publication Date
2008-07-15
Book Title
Publication Volume
3
Publication Issue
1
Publication Begin
125
Publication End
152
Number of pages
Collections
Files
Loading...
acp-03-125.pdf
Adobe PDF, 3.73 MB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
This paper reviews the potential role of feedback in visual masking, for and against. Our analysis reveals constraints for feedback mecha- nisms that limit their potential role in visual masking, and in all other general brain functions. We propose a feedforward model of visual masking, and provide a hypothesis to explain the role of feedback in visual masking and visual processing in general. We review the anato-my and physiology of feedback mechanisms, and propose that the massive ratio of feedback versus feedforward connections in the visual system may be explained solely by the critical need for top-down attentional modulation. We discuss the merits of visual masking as a tool to discover the neural correlates of consciousness, especially as compared to other popular illusions, such as binocular rivalry. Finally, we propose a new set of neurophysiological standards needed to establish whether any given neuron or brain circuit may be the neural substrate of awareness.
Citation
Macknik SL, Martinez-Conde S. The role of feedback in visual masking and visual processing. Adv Cogn Psychol. 2008 Jul 15;3(1-2):125-52. doi: 10.2478/v10053-008-0020-5. PMID: 20517504; PMCID: PMC2864985.