Spatial frequency masking and Weber's Law

Abstract

The threshold masking effect of one simultaneously presented grating upon another was studied as a function of mask contrast and frequency. The masking function typically obeys Weber's Law with method-of-adjustment psychophysics, and typically does not with forced-choice. This apparent discrepancy was studied in some detail. We suggest that thresholds can be set with at least two different criteria, depending upon experimental conditions. When the mask is unfamiliar, it functions as noise and detection occurs at a constant signal/noise ratio, which yields Weber's Law. When the mask is highly familiar, its masking effect is less and obeys a power law. This power-law masking appears to represent an inherent non-linearity of the visual system.