A functional theory of bistable perception based on dynamical circular inference
Fig 6
Continuous vs intermittent presentation.
(A.) An interpretation of the phenomenon, based on the circular inference framework. When the stimulus disappears, the belief converges to an attractor. The behavior of the system depends on the number and the value of the fixed points (here: wS = 1; aP = 1.2; ron = roff = 1 (symmetrical case) or ron = 1; roff = 0.9 (asymmetrical case)). (B.,C.,F.,G.) No loops—If there are no (descending) loops, when the stimulus disappears the beliefs converge to the prior ((B.) No implicit preference; (F.) Implicit preference). Consequently, for longer OFF-durations, the 2 survival probabilities (blue and red solid lines) either converge to 0.5 ((C.) No implicit preference) or to symmetrical values ((G.) Implicit preference). In both cases, the stimulus is not stabilized for longer intervals. Interestingly, it is more stable compared to a continuous presentation (dashed lines). (D.,E.,H.,I.) Descending loops–Descending loops generate a bistable attractor ((D.) No implicit preference (H.) Implicit preference). Crucially, when they are strong enough, they cause stabilization for longer intervals ((E.) No implicit preference (I.) Implicit preference). Furthermore, in the biased case, survival probabilities converge to asymmetrical values.