Article published in:
Interaction Studies
Vol. 16:1 (2015) ► pp. 54–67

When triangles become human

Action co-representation for objects

| Ludwig-Maximilian University München | Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen
| Technische Universität München
| Max Planck Institute for Human Development
| Ghent University
| Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen
| Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen
Until recently, it was assumed that co-representation of others’ actions, an essential part in joint action, is biologically tuned. However, research demonstrated that we also simulate actions of non-biological interaction partners under certain conditions. In the present study, we investigated whether perceived intentionality or perspective taking is the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon. Participants saw a short video fragment of a non-biological agent (i.e. a triangle) as main character. The movements of this agent were either described as intentional or as unintentional. Furthermore, participants were instructed to either take the perspective of this non-biological agent or not. Results show that perspective taking and perceived intentionality both lead to action co-representation of non-biological actions. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Keywords: Joint Action, Action Co-Representation, Action-Perception Link, Task Sharing, Agency
Published online: 17 August 2015
https://doi.org/10.1075/is.16.1.03mul
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