Article published In:
Interaction StudiesVol. 16:1 (2015) ► pp.54–67
When triangles become human
Action co-representation for objects
Barbara C. N. Müller | Ludwig-Maximilian University München | Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen | [email protected]
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.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Methods
- 2.1Participants and design
- 2.2Materials and procedure
- 3.Results
- 3.1Manipulation check
- 3.2Social Simon effect
- 4.General discussion
- 5.Conclusions
- Acknowledgements
-
References
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