Depth attraction and repulsion in random dot stereograms.

Previous studies of perceived attraction or repulsion of adjacent visual targets have used local targets whose positions were varied in both depth and direction. We have measured these effects in three subjects using dynamic random-dot stereograms to isolate depth-axis effects. Results show that both attraction and repulsion effects can occur for overlapping, positively correlated, random-dot surfaces. The results were quantitatively similar to those reported previously for local targets. Manipulation of interocular correlation confirmed that the effects are produced by binocular interactions. Results are explained as accurate judgments based on the stimulus at the cyclopean level.