Self-reference in action: Arm-movement responses are enhanced in perceptual matching

Acta Psychologica
Clea DesebrockCharles Spence

Abstract

Considerable evidence now shows that making a reference to the self in a task modulates attention, perception, memory, and decision-making. Furthermore, the self-reference effect (SRE) cannot be reduced to domain-general factors (e.g., reward value) and is supported by distinct neural circuitry. However, it remains unknown whether self-associations modulate response execution as well. This was tested in the present study. Participants carried out a perceptual-matching task, and movement time (MT) was measured separately from reaction-time (RT; drawing on methodology from the literature on intelligence). A response box recorded 'home'-button-releases (measuring RT from stimulus onset); and a target-key positioned 14 cm from the response box recorded MT (from 'home'-button-release to target-key depression). MTs of responses to self- as compared with other-person-associated stimuli were faster (with a higher proportion correct for self-related responses). We present a novel demonstration that the SRE can modulate the execution of rapid-aiming arm-movement responses. Implications of the findings are discussed, along with suggestions to guide and inspire future work in investigating how the SRE influences action.

Citations

Feb 8, 2019·The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology : QJEP·Mateusz Woźniak, Günther Knoblich
Jan 11, 2020·Psychological Research·Siobhan CaugheyC Neil Macrae
Mar 30, 2021·Frontiers in Psychology·Moritz StolteAyla Barutchu
Apr 17, 2021·Attention, Perception & Psychophysics·Clea Desebrock, Charles Spence
Jan 28, 2022·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Alla Yankouskaya, Jie Sui

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