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Applying Incongruent Visual-Tactile Stimuli during Object Transfer with Vibro-Tactile Feedback
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When vision influences the invisible distractor: tactile response compatibility effects require vision
Ann-Katrin Wesslein1, Charles Spence2, Christian Frings1
1Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Trier.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance
|November 20, 2013
Summary
Vision significantly influences how we process tactile information. Even seeing a body part receiving touch is enough to process irrelevant tactile distractors, impacting response selection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Sensory Perception
Background:
- Crossmodal interactions between vision and touch are well-documented.
- Task-irrelevant visual information can enhance tactile target processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how vision influences the processing of tactile distractors using a tactile Eriksen flanker task.
- Determine if visual availability affects flanker effects at perceptual and response compatibility levels.
Main Methods:
- Implemented a tactile Eriksen flanker task across three experiments.
- Manipulated visual availability of tactile stimuli and body parts.
- Analyzed flanker effects at perceptual congruency and response compatibility.
Main Results:
- Tactile distractors were processed to response selection only when vision was available.
- Blindfolded participants showed no flanker effects at the response compatibility level.
- Vision of either the target or distractor body part facilitated distractor processing to response selection.
Conclusions:
- Vision modulates tactile distractor processing, extending it to the response selection stage.
- Visual information is crucial for integrating distractors into response selection.
- The study highlights the significant role of vision in modulating tactile distractor processing.
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