A nonlinear dynamics model of binocular rivalry and cognitive multistability

Abstract

A nonlinear dynamics model of cognitive multistability is described based on the formal framework of Synergetics. The perception state is treated as a macroscopic order parameter /spl nu/(t) which is formalized as the phase variable of a recursive cosinuidal map. The time behavior of the spontaneous transitions between different percepts is controlled by two parameters /spl mu/=difference of meaning and G(t)=attention. The cosinuidal map can be represented by an interferometric equivalent circuit with nonlinear feedback (gain /spl sim/G, fringe contrast /spl mu/, delay T, damping time constant /spl tau/). The time variation of G is assumed to be slow as compared to T. For /spl tau//T<<1 the coupled dynamics of the perception state /spl nu/(t) and the attention parameter G(t) leads to quasiperiodic transitions between chaotic attractors. The model can be related to the belief adjustment model of Hogarth&Einhorn which supports the view of perceptual reversals to be more closely related to the expression of behavior than to passive sensory responses.