Coupling kinematics of memory and kinematics of movement: the conditions for a psychological relativity.
The organization of spatial and temporal information relative to memory-movement interactions was studied in a recall task. Stimuli consisted of four different configurations of eight dots, presented sequentially. In two configurations, the stimuli were spatiotemporal congruent, with (constant or variable) inter-stimulus distances corresponding to (constant or variable) inter-stimulus time intervals. In the other two configurations, the stimuli were spatiotemporal incongruent, with (constant or variable) inter-stimulus distances not corresponding to (variable or constant) inter-stimulus time intervals. After a learning phase consisting of 20 presentations of the target configuration, participants performed a series of pointing movements to reproduce both spatial and temporal characteristics of the stimulus 60 times in succession without ever re-examining the target configuration. Classically, in incongruent spatiotemporal conditions, the reproduction of, respectively, constant distances or constant time intervals are strongly disturbed by the simultaneous perception of variable inter-stimulus time intervals (Tau effect) or variable distances (Kappa effect). We assume that these spatiotemporal dependencies, which occur when the response relates to one dimension only, crucially depend on the non-integration of motoric aspects in memory.
Sarrazin
Jean-Christophe
JC
Unité Pilotage Simulation Expérimentation en Vol, Département Commande des Systèmes et Dynamique du vol, Office National d'Etudes, Base Aérienne 701, 13661 Salon Air, France. jean-christophe.sarrazin@onera.fr
Giraudo
Marie-Dominique
MD
Vercher
Jean-Louis
JL
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D013028:Space Perception; D014796:Visual Perception