How Objects Are Grasped: The Interplay between Affordances and End-Goals
Author Information
Author(s): Sartori Luisa, Straulino Elisa, Castiello Umberto, Avenanti Alessio
Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Psicologia Generale, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
Hypothesis
How does the shape and weight of an object interact with the end-goal of an action to determine how the stimulus is approached and contacted?
Conclusion
The study found that the shape and weight of an object significantly influence how individuals grasp it, depending on the intended action.
Supporting Evidence
- Movement time was longer for the ordinary shaped bottle than for the concave one.
- Participants placed their fingers differently based on whether they were pouring or moving the object.
- The shape of the object influenced how quickly participants reached for it.
- Participants adjusted their grip based on the weight of the object.
Takeaway
When we reach for something, how we grab it changes based on what we want to do with it and the shape of the object.
Methodology
Participants reached for and grasped two types of bottles with different shapes and weights while their hand movements were recorded.
Potential Biases
Participants were naive to the experimental purpose, which may reduce bias but does not eliminate it.
Limitations
The study involved a small sample size and only right-handed participants.
Participant Demographics
Thirteen right-handed volunteers (7 females, 6 males) aged 21 to 34.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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