Self-Motion Is Special for Visual Processing
Author Information
Author(s): Salomon Roy, Szpiro-Grinberg Sarit, Lamy Dominique
Primary Institution: Tel Aviv University
Hypothesis
Do our own movements benefit from preferential processing even when the task is unrelated to self-recognition?
Conclusion
Visual events are perceived more accurately when they are the consequences of our actions, even when self-motion is task irrelevant.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants were more accurate when the target was the item they controlled than when it was not.
- Adding distractors impaired accuracy only when the target was not controlled by the participant.
- Search performance was independent of set size when the target motion was controlled by the participant.
Takeaway
When we move, we notice things better, even if we're not trying to recognize ourselves. It's like finding your friend in a crowd; your own movements help you see better.
Methodology
Participants searched for a moving target while controlling the motion of one item with a computer mouse.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to participants' lack of awareness regarding their controlled item.
Limitations
Participants were largely unaware of which item they controlled, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Thirteen undergraduate students from Tel Aviv University, aged 20 to 26, all right-handed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0002
Statistical Significance
p<0.0002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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