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Manipulations of Libet clock parameters affect intention timing awareness
Bianca E Ivanof1, D B Terhune2, D Coyle3
1Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross Road, London, SE14 6NW, UK. biancaelenaivanof@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|November 24, 2022
Summary
Libet clock parameters significantly influence intention timing awareness estimates. Understanding these variations is crucial for the validity and generalizability of awareness studies.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Libet-style paradigms are standard for measuring intention awareness.
- Variability in Libet clock parameters across studies raises concerns about result generalizability.
- The impact of clock parameter manipulation on awareness estimates remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how systematic manipulations of Libet clock parameters affect intention timing awareness estimates.
- To assess the influence of clock speed, markings, hand length, and radius type on awareness judgments.
- To clarify the construct validity and generalizability of Libet-style awareness measures.
Main Methods:
- A four-experiment study systematically varied Libet clock parameters.
- Key manipulated variables included clock speed and number of markings.
- Participants estimated intention awareness using a rotating clock face.
Main Results:
- Intention timing awareness estimates were significantly influenced by clock speed.
- The number of clock markings also demonstrated a significant impact on awareness judgments.
- Other tested clock parameters showed less pronounced effects.
Conclusions:
- Libet clock parameter choices critically affect intention awareness estimates.
- Standardization of Libet clock parameters is necessary for reliable and comparable research.
- Findings highlight the need to consider methodological variations in awareness research.
