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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
09:49
Methods to Explore the Influence of Top-down Visual Processes on Motor Behavior
Published on: April 16, 2014
Can actions affect perceptual processing?
J Müsseler1, S Steininger, P Wühr
1Max-Planck-Institut für Psychologische Forschung, Amalienstr. 33, D-80799 München, Germany. muesseler@mpipf-muenchen.mpg.de
Summary
Actions can specifically impair perception, even when attentiveness is maintained. This study found reduced perceptual sensitivity (d-prime) during compatible action execution, suggesting actions directly impact how we see.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Action execution has been linked to perceptual impairments.
- Previous research questioned if these impairments stem from reduced sensitivity or attentional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether actions specifically impact perceptual sensitivity using Signal Detection Theory.
- To determine if observed impairments in arrow identification during keypresses are due to changes in sensitivity (d') or response bias (c).
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted applying Signal Detection Theory.
- Participants identified arrows presented during compatible and incompatible keypress actions.
- Analysis focused on sensitivity (d') and bias (c) measures.
Main Results:
- Perceptual sensitivity (d') was significantly lower for arrows presented during compatible keypresses compared to incompatible ones.
- The bias measure (c) showed minimal differences between conditions.
- Perceptual degradation was higher in the compatible condition, specifically during central movement command generation.
Conclusions:
- Action execution directly affects perceptual processing, not just attentiveness.
- The impairment is specific to the timing of motor command generation.
- These findings demonstrate a specific influence of motor actions on sensory perception.
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