Picking the right piece: Action intentions shape visual search and action planning in human multi-target-foraging

Everyday behavior, such as grocery shopping, involves searching for multiple similar objects ("visual foraging"). Although object search is usually performed in order to interact with the object, only a few studies used real objects. In object interaction, the interaction type and precision requirements likely affect object selection. When high precision is required, actions are performed more carefully (e.g., with lower speed). To investigate action context in interactive real-world multi-target foraging, we asked participants to pick and place LEGO bricks and varied the precision requirements with different placing instructions. Movement analysis revealed that participants preferred nearby objects but also prioritized those beneficial to the task, such as larger objects, when creating a pile. This demonstrates that participants planned reach movements by balancing immediate movement costs with future precision demands. In sum, task and action context, such as placing requirements or the environmental layout, must be considered for understanding visual selection in real-world situations.