Space- and object-based attention depend on motor intention
Fischer, M.H.; Hoellen, N.
Journal of General Psychology 131(4): 365-377
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1309 PMID: 15523820 Document Number: 575084
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.