Does backward masking by visual noise stop stimulus processing? (original) (raw)

Abstract

The identification of one, two, and four random letters was studied under three procedures: (1) backward masking by a visual noise; (2) concurrent masking by a visual noise; and (3) no masking. With backward masking the number of letters correctly identified was independent of the number presented. Direct judgments of the duration, brightness, contrast, sharpness, and texture of the letters were also made. Under backward masking the letters appeared to be on for a very brief duration, but with high apparent contrast. The results indicate that backward masking impairs identification by interrupting the stimulus processing, not by degrading the stimulus input.

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Author notes

1. Phillip Liss
   Present address: City College of the City University of New York, New York

Authors and Affiliations

1. Harvard University, New York
   Phillip Liss

Additional information

This research was supported by Grant No. POl-MH-12623 from the National Institute of Mental Health to Harvard University, Center for Cognitive Studies.

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Liss, P. Does backward masking by visual noise stop stimulus processing?.Perception & Psychophysics 4, 328–330 (1968). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209526

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• Received: 20 March 1968
• Issue date: November 1968
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209526

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