Response Trajectories in Number Comparison Tasks
Author Information
Author(s): Santens Seppe, Goossens Sofie, Verguts Tom, Lauwereyns Jan
Primary Institution: Ghent University
Hypothesis
The study tests whether response trajectories during number comparison tasks are influenced by the distance of the target number from a standard number.
Conclusion
The study found that response trajectories are more curved towards incorrect responses when the target number is closer to the standard number, indicating a tight coupling between cognition and action.
Supporting Evidence
- Response trajectories curved more towards incorrect responses when the target number was closer to 5.
- The distance effect in response trajectories was significant across multiple time points.
- Participants were already moving towards the correct response at the beginning of the movement trajectory.
Takeaway
When people compare numbers, their hand movements can show that they are still thinking about the answer, especially if the numbers are close together.
Methodology
Participants performed a number comparison task while their hand movements were tracked on a touchscreen.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and the specific demographic of participants (bachelor students).
Limitations
The study only included right-handed participants and may not generalize to left-handed individuals.
Participant Demographics
Fifteen right-handed bachelor students from Ghent University.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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