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The action-sentence compatibility effect in Japanese sentences
1Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Jissen Women's University, 4-1-1, Osakaue, Hino-City, Tokyo 141-8510, Japan. Awazu-shunji@jissen.ac.jp
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|December 22, 2011
Summary
The action-sentence compatibility effect (ACE) was found in Japanese, an SOV language, using foot responses. Congruity between sentence actions and effector responses significantly speeds up reaction times.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Linguistics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The action-sentence compatibility effect (ACE) demonstrates faster responses when sentence actions match response actions.
- Previous ACE research focused on SVO languages and hand responses.
- The linguistic structure of SOV languages and non-hand effectors remain under-explored in ACE studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ACE in Japanese, an SOV language.
- To examine the role of foot responses in the ACE.
- To determine if effector congruity influences sentence processing in SOV languages.
Main Methods:
- Participants judged the sensibility of Japanese action sentences.
- Responses were made using either foot or hand as the effector.
- Reaction times were measured to assess congruity effects.
Main Results:
- Reaction times were significantly faster when sentence-described actions matched the effector used (foot or hand).
- The ACE was confirmed in Japanese, an SOV language.
- Sentence dependency was observed even with foot responses.
Conclusions:
- The action-sentence compatibility effect is not limited to SVO languages or hand responses.
- Linguistic structure and effector modality interact in action-sentence processing.
- Findings suggest a generalized mechanism for action-sentence compatibility across languages and effectors.
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