Feature-selective inhibition during binocular rivalry

It has been argued that binocular rivalry occurs as a result of competition between monocular channels (eg eye competition). However, some recent literature favours a pattern competition account of rivalry, in which rivalry occurs between incompatible (binocular) pattern representations. In this current study, we investigated feature-specific aspects of dichoptic suppression. Three coloured gratings were presented simultaneously next to each other to one eye on a dichoptically presented grid. One of the two flanking gratings had the same colour and orientation as the central grating. All three gratings were suppressed by presenting high-contrast elements to the other eye. After 600 ms, the flanking suppressors were removed and the flanking gratings became visible. Results show that the grating dissimilar to the suppressed central grating became visible first, both for the intraocular and interocular condition. This is evidence for feature-specific inhibition during binocular suppression. These findings support the idea that all presented visual information reaches higher visual areas and favour a pattern competition account of binocular rivalry