Abstract
As the interval from the onset of a target letter to the onset of a masking stimulus is increased, target recognition first becomes worse and then improves under some conditions. Previously, these U-shaped functions have been documented only when metacontrast masking paradigms have been used. In the present studies, U-shaped functions were found with nonmetacontrast paradigms. Using a pattern mask, U-shaped functions were found when the target energy was greater than the mask energy. Moreover, a set of parameters was found that produced U-shaped functions when no contours were present within the masking field.
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This research was supported by grants from the National Research Council of Canada (APA 191 to M. C. Smith), and Defence Research Board of Canada (9401-38 to M. C. Smith). Preparation of the manuscript was also supported under a National Research Council of Canada Grant (APA 300 to L. H. Theodor)
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Purcell, D.G., Stewart, A.L. U-shaped backward masking functions with nonmetacontrast paradigms. Psychon Sci 21, 361–363 (1970). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335819
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03335819