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Published on: September 19, 2012
Risky Moves: Faster Movements Increase Perceived Thought Speed, but Do Not Lead to Riskier Behaviour on the Ballon
1Sport and Exercise Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Self-controlled body movements can alter thought speed, but this study found no link between faster perceived thought speed and increased risk-taking behavior. Further research may explore movement-based interventions for tactical game play.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Embodied Cognition
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Increased thought speed is associated with racing thoughts and potentially greater risk-taking.
- Embodied cognition theory links physical movements to cognitive processes, including abstract concepts like risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if self-controlled body movements can alter perceived thought speed.
- To determine if manipulated thought speed influences risk-taking behavior using the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART).
Main Methods:
- Two experiments involved participants performing Fitts' tapping or foot stepping tasks with fast or slow movements.
- Participants completed the BART, measuring risk-taking through virtual balloon pumps and potential explosions.
- One-way ANOVAs analyzed differences between fast and slow movement conditions.
Main Results:
- Fast movements significantly increased perceived thought speed compared to slow movements in both experiments.
- No significant differences in risk-taking behavior on BART measures were observed between faster and slower movement groups.
Conclusions:
- While body movements affect thought speed, they did not influence risk-taking behavior in this study.
- Findings offer a revised embodied cognition perspective on movement and thought speed, suggesting potential for future interventions in areas like sports strategy.
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