Manipulable Objects Facilitate Cross-Modal Integration in Peripersonal Space
Author Information
Author(s): van Elk Michiel, Blanke Olaf
Primary Institution: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The observation of pictures representing manipulable objects would result in a remapping of peripersonal space.
Conclusion
The observation of manipulable objects facilitates cross-modal integration in peripersonal space.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants showed faster reaction times for congruent vs. incongruent trials.
- A significant interaction was found between congruency and object type.
- High and medium manipulability objects showed a significant cross-modal congruency effect.
- Previous studies support the notion that manipulable objects activate motor representations.
Takeaway
When we look at objects we can easily use, like a toothbrush, our brain helps us combine what we see with what we feel, making it easier to understand where things are around us.
Methodology
Participants responded to vibrotactile stimuli while ignoring visual distractors on pictures of objects with varying manipulability.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on right-handed participants and may not generalize to left-handed individuals.
Participant Demographics
31 participants (16 in Experiment 1, 15 in Experiment 2), mean age 20.8 years, mostly right-handed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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