How hand placement modulates interference from extraneous stimuli.

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• The Eriksen flanker task measures selective visual attention.
• Previous research suggested hands create an 'attentional window', reducing flanker interference.
• An alternative hypothesis proposed hands act as a spatial reference frame.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between the 'attentional window' and 'reference frame' explanations for reduced flanker interference.
• To investigate if hand placement benefits attention directed both inside and outside the hands.
• To test the role of a spatial reference frame using alternative objects.

Main Methods:

• Four experiments were conducted using the Eriksen flanker task.
• Participants responded using left and right foot presses.
• Hands were placed around the central target letter, or wooden blocks were used as a control.
• The target and distractor locations were manipulated.

Main Results:

• Hand placement around the target reduced flanker interference, consistent with prior findings.
• This interference reduction was observed regardless of whether the target was inside or outside the hands.
• Wooden blocks produced similar interference reduction, irrespective of target location.
• The effect was consistent whether the inner or outer letter was the target.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the reference frame account over the attentional window account.
• Hands and similar objects provide a spatial reference frame that facilitates visual attention.
• This reference frame aids in directing attention both towards and away from the reference object.