Multiple distinct neural mechanisms can underlie what is measured as suppression.

Evidence

Positively and negatively weighted vectors are interpreted as excitatory and suppressive influences, respectively (Rust et al. 2005 ; Schwartz et al. 2006 ; Sneary and Lewis 2007 ). However, mechanical suppression, adaptation, and refractory effects may all contribute to what we term “suppressive” influences. — Dijk, Pim van, Physiology, Psychoacoustics and…, 3847

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies that ‘suppressive’ in their analysis is an umbrella term covering mechanical suppression, adaptation, and refractoriness.