Hand actions to objects modulate visual attention: Evidence from lateralized ERPs S Kumar, M J Riddoch, G Humphreys |
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Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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| We have shown that perceptual and motor-related ERP responses to objects are modulated by whether the objects are depicted with a congruent or incongruent hand grip. In this study we investigated whether attentional orienting is also influenced by hand actions to objects. We presented pictures of objects shown with a hand grip that was congruent or incongruent with the object’s use. N2pc, an ERP component which reflects the allocation of spatial attention, was measured when target and distractor objects were presented in opposite visual fields. The N2pc was significantly smaller when target objects were congruently gripped for action and the irrelevant distractor objects was incongruently gripped, compared with other conditions, indicating that target selection was facilitated in this instance. In addition, an enhanced N2pc was apparent when target objects were incongruently gripped and distractor objects were congruently gripped, indicating that attentional selection of the target was slowed in this instance. The results indicate that the interaction between hands and objects is part of the visual unit that guides attention. |
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