Space- and object-based attention depend on motor intention.
The authors investigated the impact of different motor demands on space- and object-based attention allocation. Responses to targets were either lifting a finger, or pointing to the target, or grasping a clay object placed on the target location. Reaction times and movement times were recorded to assess covert and overt attention, respectively. Both reaction times and movement times showed more space-based attention for pointing than for finger lifting and more object-based attention for grasping than for pointing. That result supports the view that visual selectivity is tuned to specific motor intentions (H. Bekkering & F. W. Neggers, 2002) and illustrates the tight coupling of perception and action.
Fischer
Martin H
MH
Department of Psychology, University of Dundee, Scotland. m.h.fischer@dundee.ac.uk
Hoellen
Noemi
N
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011930:Reaction Time; D013028:Space Perception