Counting is easier while experiencing a congruent motion

PLoS One. 2013 May 15;8(5):e64500. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064500. Print 2013.

Abstract

Several studies suggest that numerical and spatial representations are intrinsically linked. Recent findings demonstrate that also motor actions interact with number magnitude processing, showing a motor-to-semantic effect. The current study assesses whether calculation processes can be modulated by motions performed with the whole body. Participants were required to make additions or subtractions while performing (on-line condition) or after having experienced (off-line condition) an ascending or descending motion through a passive (i.e., taking the elevator) or an active (i.e., taking the stairs) mode. Results show a congruency effect between the type of calculation and the direction of the motion depending on: a) the off-line or on-line condition, b) the passive or active mode and c) the real or imagined task. Implications of the results for an embodied and grounded perspective view will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motion*
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This work was supported by MIUR (PRIN 2008) and by the European Community, FP7 project ROSSI (www.rossiproject.eu), Emergence of Communication in Robots through Sensorimotor and Social Interaction. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.