Abstract
Four experiments show that presentation of a synchronous premask frame within a 40-Hz, flickering premask matrix primes subsequent detection of a Kanizsa-type square by generation of a 40-Hz prime. Reaction time (RT) priming effects indicated a 150-200-ms prime duration following premask display. RTs were also found to be sensitive to the phase relationship between offset of the premask display relative to the onset time of the target: Priming effects were maximal when the target was presented out of phase with premask presentation (i.e., at interstimulus intervals displaced by 180 degrees relative to the 40-Hz rhythm of premask-frame presentation). Taken together, these results demonstrate the existence of a very short-term visual memory that oscillates at 40 Hz. The findings are discussed in the context of complementary psychological and neurophysiological findings related to visual-object coding and the role of gamma-band activity in the brain.
Keywords
PsychologyInterstimulus intervalPriming (agriculture)RhythmAudiologyCommunicationDuration (music)NeuroscienceCognitive psychologyStimulation
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Publication Info
- Year
- 2000
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 703-718
- Citations
- 36
- Access
- Closed
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Cite This
Mark A. Elliot,
Hermann J. Müller
(2000).
Evidence for a 40-Hz oscillatory short-term visual memory revealed by human reaction-time measurements..
Journal of Experimental Psychology Learning Memory and Cognition
, 26
(3)
, 703-718.
https://doi.org/10.1037//0278-7393.26.3.703
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1037//0278-7393.26.3.703