Time course of number magnitude interference during grasping
Andres M, Ostry DJ,
Cortex 44:414-419.
Abstract
In
the present study, we recorded the kinematics of grasping movements in order to
measure the possible interference caused by digits printed on the visible face
of the objects to grasp. The aim of this approach was to test the hypothesis
that digit magnitude processing shares common mechanisms with object size
estimate during grasping. In the first stages of reaching, grip aperture was
found to be larger consequent to the presentation of digits with a high value
rather than a low one. The effect of digit magnitude on grip aperture was more
pronounced for large objects. As the hand got closer to the object, the
influence of digit magnitude decreased and grip aperture progressively
reflected the actual size of the object. We concluded that number magnitude may
interact with grip aperture while programming the grasping movements.