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Effect of the irrelevant location of the response signal on choice reaction time: An electromyographic study in humans
Author(s) -
Hasbroucq Thierry,
Possamaï CamilleAimé,
Bonnet Michel,
Vidal Franck
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1017/s0048577299001602
Subject(s) - stimulus (psychology) , psychology , choice reaction time , simon effect , stimulus–response model , audiology , prime mover , stimulus–response compatibility , neuroscience , cognitive psychology , cognition , perception , medicine , mechanical engineering , engineering
Choice reaction time (RT) is shorter when the stimulus corresponds spatially to the response than when the stimulus does not, even when the stimulus location is irrelevant to the task. We used electromyographic measures to document that this effect is the result of a response conflict. The activity of the prime movers of two alternative responses was recorded during the performance of a visual RT task in which the irrelevant spatial correspondence between the stimuli and the responses was varied. Only the premotor component of RT was affected by the stimulus–response correspondence. Correct trials were distinguished according to whether or not the activation of the prime mover involved in the required response was preceded by an activation of the prime mover involved in the alternative response. Double muscular activation trials were more numerous for noncorresponding than for corresponding stimulus–response associations. Furthermore, these trials yielded longer RTs than the single muscular activation trials.