Towards a resolution of conflicting models of illusory contour processing in humans

► Mechanisms mediating illusory contour (IC) sensitivity remain controversial. ► One model favors feed-forward effects within lower-tier cortices (V1/V2). ► Another situates IC sensitivity first in lateral-occipital cortices (LOC). ► Electrical neuroimaging of visual evoked potentials disambiguated these models. ► The results support IC sensitivity occurring first within the LOC.