A new taxonomy for perceptual filling-in
2010

A New Taxonomy for Perceptual Filling-In

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Weil Rimona S., Rees Geraint

Primary Institution: Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London

Hypothesis

Whether different forms of perceptual filling-in share common mechanisms is not yet known.

Conclusion

The study presents a new framework for categorizing perceptual filling-in, highlighting the importance of boundaries in determining the latency of different forms of filling-in.

Supporting Evidence

  • We propose a new taxonomy for perceptual filling-in.
  • We review experimental evidence for different forms of filling-in.
  • We show how this new framework sheds light on mechanisms for perceptual filling-in.
  • We consider the importance of boundaries in perceptual filling-in.

Takeaway

Sometimes our brain fills in missing parts of what we see, like when we look at a picture with a hole in it and still see a complete image. This study helps us understand how and why that happens.

Methodology

The study reviews experimental evidence for different forms of perceptual filling-in and proposes a new taxonomy based on phenomenological and psychophysical characteristics.

Limitations

The review is not intended to be exhaustive but will provide examples for each type of perceptual filling-in.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.brainresrev.2010.10.004

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication