Behavioral techniques for controlling visual stimuli to modulate visual processing in the brain and their implementation in augmented reality technology

This study reviews the behavioral techniques that control visual stimuli to systematically modulate visual processing in an observer’s brain. These techniques are indirect but more affordable than more-direct techniques for stimulating the brain. The limitations of these techniques and the calibrations necessary for them are also discussed. Some of the behavioral techniques can be also used in field studies by making use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology and a head-mounted display (HMD). The AR HMDs for the behavioral techniques was assembled by combining a smartphone and a wearable stereoscope, both of which were also affordable, as a proof-of-concept. The reviewed behavioral techniques make it possible that researchers with limited budgets can conduct neuroscience studies and that students can learn about these subjects in low-income countries or in underfunded institutions. It can contribute to the democratization of neuroscience and the global equity of scientific research, as well as to broadening the populations studied in cognitive and neuroscience.