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ERP evidence for semantic facilitation of tool-grasping by tool-using actions
Yanglan Yu1, Xuechen Mao2, Qin Huang3
1Physical Education Department, Nanjing University Of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.
Acta Psychologica
|March 27, 2026
Summary
Using actions facilitate grasping action recognition through semantic processing. This study shows cognitive interrelation between using and grasping actions, supporting embodied cognition.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Action Representation
Background:
- Human visual system recognizes manipulated objects efficiently.
- Two-action system theory categorizes manipulative actions into grasping and using.
- Second-order planning suggests using actions influence grasping, challenging independent cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how using actions facilitate cognitive processing of grasping actions.
- Examine the action-language perspective within embodied cognition.
- Explore the cognitive interrelation between using and grasping actions.
Main Methods:
- Employed a semantic priming paradigm with action verbs.
- Used behavioral responses (reaction times) and electrophysiological measures (ERPs).
- Participants performed a grasping action judgment task.
Main Results:
- Significant positive priming effects observed; faster reaction times in congruent conditions.
- Event-related potential (ERP) analyses showed modulations in P200, N400, P600, and P300.
- Semantic congruency between using and grasping actions influenced cognitive processing.
Conclusions:
- Using actions facilitate grasping action recognition via semantic processing.
- Provides evidence for cognitive interrelation between using and grasping actions.
- Enriches the embodied cognition framework in manipulative action-language research.
Keywords:
Action language processingEvent-related potentials (ERPs)Manipulative actionsSecond-order planningSemantic embodied cognitionMore Related Videos
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