title: Counting is easier while experiencing a congruent motion.
abstract: Several studies suggest that numerical and spatial representations are intrinsically linked. Recent findings demonstrate that also motor actions interact with number magnitude processing, showing a motor-to-semantic effect. The current study assesses whether calculation processes can be modulated by motions performed with the whole body. Participants were required to make additions or subtractions while performing (on-line condition) or after having experienced (off-line condition) an ascending or descending motion through a passive (i.e., taking the elevator) or an active (i.e., taking the stairs) mode. Results show a congruency effect between the type of calculation and the direction of the motion depending on: a) the off-line or on-line condition, b) the passive or active mode and c) the real or imagined task. Implications of the results for an embodied and grounded perspective view will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Philosophy and Communication Studies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. l.lugli@unibo.it
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lugli
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Baroni
authors.forename: Filomena
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Anelli
authors.forename: Anna M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Borghi
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nicoletti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009038:Motion; D055815:Young Adult