Forward versus backward semantic priming: What movement dynamics during lexical decision reveal

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Previous research inferred separate forward and backward priming mechanisms using response times.
• Automatic prospective and strategic retrospective mechanisms were hypothesized for forward and backward priming, respectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distinct underlying mechanisms of forward and backward priming.
• To explore the utility of hand/mouse kinematics in understanding real-time cognitive processes.

Main Methods:

• Lexical decision tasks were conducted while tracking participants' hand and mouse movements.
• Kinematic data, including movement trajectories, were analyzed to differentiate priming effects.

Main Results:

• Forward, backward, and symmetrical priming exhibited unique movement trajectories.
• The effects of forward priming emerged earlier than backward priming.
• Symmetrical priming effects became prominent as backward priming effects emerged.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide strong evidence for distinct mechanisms driving forward and backward priming.
• Continuous kinematic measures offer valuable insights into the temporal dynamics of cognitive processes.