Visual Recognition Threshold and Concurrent Motor Activity

Abstract

Recognition thresholds of the words push, pull and part were measured for 36 Ss under conditions of pushing, pulling, and no specific activity to test the hypotheses (a) that sensorimotor activity would have a threshold-lowering effect on words directionally related to the activity and (b) a threshold-raising effect for words not so related. Results supporting the first hypothesis were obtained and discussed as indicating a need for refinement of the generalized statement, based on previous research, that concurrent activity interferes with perceptual functioning. Failure to observe support of the second hypothesis was discussed as suggesting the need to consider, as well, the variable of the amount of physical activity involved.