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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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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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03209526