When two different stimuli are presented at the same time, one to each eye, the stimuli can either integrate or compete with each other. When they compete, one of the two stimuli is alternately suppressed, a phenomenon called binocular rivalry. When they integrate, observers see some form of the combined stimuli. Many different properties (for example, shape or color) of the two stimuli can induce binocular rivalry. Not all differences result in rivalry, however. Difference in temporal frequency of two dichoptically presented flickers, for example, does not give rise to binocular rivalry. When the two frequencies are not too far apart, observers tend to perceive a visual beat, which is the result of integration of high-frequency flicker between the two eyes. We have demonstrated that binocular beats of two flicker between the two eyes. We have demonstrated that binocular beats of two flickers can be perceived when the tow eyes' stimuli are engaged in rivalry. The fact that rivalry and beats, two apparently opposing phenomena, can be perceived at the same time within the same spatial location suggest parallel pathways are supporting these perceptual outcomes. Because forms and colors are mainly processed in the Parvocellular pathway and fast flickers are better suited for the Magnocellular pathway, we hypothesize that the interocular difference in visual attributes that are predominately processed in the Parovellular pathway will lead to rivalry, and differences in visual attributes that are predominantly processed in the Magnocellular pathway tend to integrate.
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