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Handles of manipulable objects attract covert visual attention: ERP evidence
Heath Matheson1, Aaron J Newman1, Jason Satel1
1Department of Psychology, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Center, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4J1, Canada.
Brain and Cognition
|February 19, 2014
Summary
Object handles automatically draw visual attention, leading to faster responses. This attentional bias, measured via event-related potentials (ERPs), explains previous findings without needing embodied cognition theories.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Previous studies show faster manual responses to object handles than functional ends.
- Embodied Cognition Theories (ETC) suggest sensorimotor simulations explain this.
- An alternative is that handles attract visual attention, speeding responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate attentional biases caused by manipulable objects.
- To differentiate between embodied cognition and attentional explanations.
- To use event-related potentials (ERPs) to measure these biases.
Main Methods:
- Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded.
- Participants viewed manipulable objects followed by a target dot.
- The dot appeared at either the object's handle or functional end.
Main Results:
- A larger P1 ERP component was observed for targets at handles versus functional ends.
- This indicates handles automatically bias covert attentional processes.
- The findings support an attentional explanation over embodied cognition.
Conclusions:
- Object handles automatically attract visual attention.
- This attentional bias can explain behavioral differences without invoking embodied cognition.
- Future research should explore the implications of these attentional biases.
