Manassi M Sayim B Herzog MH 2013 In object recognition, features are thought to be processed in a hierarchical fashion from low-level analysis (edges and lines) to complex figural processing (shapes and objects). Here, we show that figural processing determines low-level processing. Vernier offset discrimination strongly deteriorated when we embedded a vernier in a square. This is a classic crowding effect. Surprisingly, crowding almost disappeared when additional squares were added. We propose that figural interactions between the squares precede low-level suppression of the vernier by the single square, contrary to hierarchical models of object recognition. https://sonar.ch/global/documents/102470 eng info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/doi/10.1167/13.13.10 info:eu-repo/semantics/altIdentifier/pmid/24213598 Journal of vision. - 2013 contextual modulation crowding grouping hierarchical processing vernier acuity Female Form Perception Humans Male Pattern Recognition, Visual Sensory Thresholds Visual Acuity Visual Fields When crowding of crowding leads to uncrowding. http://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_6501