The experiments reported in this paper lend strong computational support to the theory that tilt aftereffects result from Hebbian adaptation of the lateral connections between neurons. Furthermore, the aftereffects occur as a result of the same decorrelating process that is responsible for the initial development of the orientation map. The same model should also apply to other aftereffects and to simultaneous tilt illusions.
Computational models such as RF-LISSOM can demonstrate many visual phenomena in high detail that are difficult to measure experimentally, thus presenting a view of the cortex that is otherwise not available. This type of analysis can provide an essential complement to both high-level theories and to experimental work with humans and animals, significantly contributing to our understanding of the cortex.