Pointing out mechanisms underlying joint action

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that spatial and feature-based attention can contribute to inducing a spatial compatibility effect in both the standard Simon task and the joint Simon task. Less work generally has been devoted to investigating how attention modulates spatial compatibility effects. In the present study, we aimed to explore whether indirectly manipulating the degree of attention necessary to respond to a compatible or an incompatible stimulus can modulate the spatial compatibility effect in a joint Simon task and elicit a compatibility effect in the individual go–no-go Simon task. To this end, we biased spatial attention to the compatible stimulus by asking participants to perform a pointing response always toward the compatible side, regardless of the stimulus location. Crucially, reaction times—recorded at gesture onset—showed a compatibility effect pattern in the individual condition and an additional modulation in the joint condition. These results show that the spatial attention intrinsic to action planning can affect both individual and joint Simon tasks.