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The Two Forms of Visuo-Spatial Perspective Taking are Differently Embodied and Subserve Different Spatial
Klaus Kessler1, Hannah Rutherford
1Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, Social Interaction Research Centre, University of Glasgow Glasgow, UK.
Frontiers in Psychology
|August 12, 2011
Summary
Level 1 perspective taking (VPT-1) is not embodied, unlike Level 2 perspective taking (VPT-2), which involves embodied movement simulation. These distinct cognitive processes underpin different spatial localization uses, impacting language and mental effort.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Linguistics
Background:
- Distinguishing between Level 1 (VPT-1) and Level 2 (VPT-2) perspective taking is crucial for understanding embodied cognition.
- VPT-1 involves understanding line of sight, while VPT-2 requires adopting another's spatial viewpoint.
- Previous research suggests VPT-2 has embodied origins through movement simulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate VPT-1 and VPT-2 based on their embodied nature and modality dependence (motor vs. verbal).
- To investigate the embodied underpinnings of spatial perspective taking.
- To clarify the cognitive processes underlying spatial localization and preposition use.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of VPT-1 and VPT-2 using motor and verbal response modalities.
- Analysis of cognitive effort associated with different perspective-taking levels and spatial configurations.
- Replication of findings using verbal responses with spatial prepositions.
Main Results:
- VPT-1 is found to be not embodied or differently embodied compared to VPT-2.
- VPT-2 is confirmed as an embodied process involving movement simulation, with increased mental effort at greater distances and with incongruent proprioception.
- Qualitatively different patterns for VPT-1 and VPT-2 were observed across both motor and verbal response modalities.
Conclusions:
- VPT-1 subserves egocentric spatial localization (e.g., "in front," "behind"), while VPT-2 subserves allocentric localization (e.g., "left," "right").
- Both VPT-1 and VPT-2 are situated and grounded, but only VPT-2 is embodied via movement simulation.
- Differences in cognitive effort and embodiment explain variations in preposition use and spatial localization.
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