Differences in the Speed of Mentally Processing Displays Containing Information about 'Right' and 'Left'.
Abstract
The results of a series of experiments using simple word-picture verification tasks showed that the mental representation of the term 'right' is the simpler or 'unmarked' one of the pair 'right'-'left'. 'True' matches involving the term 'right' took less time than 'true' matches for 'left' or than 'false' matches, and this held whether Ss interpreted the displays from their own perspective or from the perspective of someone facing them. However, substituting arrows for the words in the displays eliminated the effect. Thus, the asymmetry depended upon mentally representing the two directions and not upon visual scanning biases or reading habits. These data are discussed in relation to a general model of how Ss conceptualize space. In addition, problems of S-R compatibility that arise in reaction time tasks using 'right' and 'left' are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 29, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0759723
Entities
People
- Gary M. Olson
- Kevin V. Laxar
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory