title: The Simon effect in action: planning and/or on-line control effects?
abstract: Choice reaction tasks are performed faster when stimulus location corresponds to response location (Simon effect). This spatial stimulus-response compatibility effect affects performance at the level of action planning and execution. However, when response selection is completed before movement initiation, the Simon effect arises only at the planning level. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether when a precocious response selection is requested, the Simon effect can be detected on the kinematics characterizing the online control phase of a non-ballistic movement. Participants were presented with red or green colored squares, which could appear on the right, left, above, or below a central cross. Depending on the square's color, participants had to release one of two buttons (right/left), then reach toward and press a corresponding lateral pad. We found evidence of the Simon effect on both action planning and on-line control. Moreover, the investigation of response conflict at the level of previous trials (i.e., n-1), a factor that might determine interference at the level of the current response, revealed a conflict adaptation process across trials. Results are discussed in terms of current theories concerned with the Simon effect and the distinction between action planning and control.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Scorolli
authors.affiliation: Section for Clinical-Cognitive Sciences, Department of Neurology Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University.
authors.forename: Antonello
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pellicano
authors.affiliation: Department of Communications Disciplines, University of Bologna.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nicoletti
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication and Economics, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia.
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rubichi
authors.affiliation: Department of General Psychology, University of Padova.|Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Padova.
authors.forename: Umberto
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Castiello
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D003118:Color Perception; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Action planning; Conflict adaptation; Kinematic parameterization; Motor control; Simon effect; Spatial compatibility