Motion opponency is a stage common to many motion processing models involving the combination of local motion vectors in space. Motion opponency functions as a mechanism for noise reduction during motion processing. Previous work has found evidence that human brains implement motion opponency, as locally-balanced and opposing motions (counter-phase stimuli) are known to elicit a weak response at human brain area MT+. This dissertation examines opponency, comparing counter-phase stimuli with novel flicker noise stimuli in psychophysical and neuroimaging experiments. Multivariate classification analyses found that the patterns of activation elicited by counter-phase stimuli were similar to that elicited by flicker stimuli. Furthermore, area V3A was strongly implicated as a participant in the brain’s motion opponency network. This work demonstrates the extent to which opponency selectively targets the locally-balanced motion signals common in flicker noise that suggests that brain’s implementation of noise reduction during motion processing is bigger than simply suppression of MT+ inputs originating from antagonistic V1 neurons.
Cookie SettingseScholarship uses cookies to ensure you have the best experience on our website. You can manage which cookies you want us to use.Our Privacy Statement includes more details on the cookies we use and how we protect your privacy.
