Grasping type affects configural encoding in visual working memory

Previous research has shown that different grasping actions selectively influence the processing of simple visual features based on their relevance to the specific action. However, it remains uncertain if this interaction extends to higher-order information, such as the global configuration extracted from an array of visual elements. The present study investigated the impact of different grasping types on the processing of configural shape information in visual working memory (VWM). In Experiment 1, participants engaged in a VWM change detection task while producing either power- or precision-grasping actions. The availability of configural shape information was manipulated through the presence or absence of surrounding circles around oriented bars. The results showed that configural shape information in the memory array overall benefited participants' change detection performance. Importantly, the effect of configural shape on memory performance was modulated by grasping type, with a greater configural benefit under precision-grasping compared to power-grasping. Experiment 2 replicated those findings under different task demands that required maintaining the grasp postures, while controlling for differences in the physical appearance of stimuli across conditions. Together, the findings highlight the role of grasping type in modulating the processing of configural shape information: different grasping actions influence how configural shape information is encoded and maintained in visual working memory.