NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ945676
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Oct
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0096-1523
EISSN: N/A
Let the Force Be with Us: Dyads Exploit Haptic Coupling for Coordination
van der Wel, Robrecht P. R. D.; Knoblich, Guenther; Sebanz, Natalie
Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, v37 n5 p1420-1431 Oct 2011
People often perform actions that involve a direct physical coupling with another person, such as when moving furniture together. Here, we examined how people successfully coordinate such actions with others. We tested the hypothesis that dyads amplify their forces to create haptic information to coordinate. Participants moved a pole (resembling a pendulum) back and forth between two targets at different amplitudes and frequencies. They did so by pulling on cords attached to the base of the pole, one on each side. In the individual condition, one participant performed this task bimanually, and in the joint condition two participants each controlled one cord. We measured the moment-to-moment pulling forces on each cord and the pole kinematics to determine how well individuals and dyads performed. Results indicated that dyads produced much more overlapping forces than individuals, especially for tasks with higher coordination requirements. Thus, the results suggest that dyads amplify their forces to generate a haptic information channel. This likely reflects a general coordination principle in haptic joint action, where force amplification allows dyads to perform at the same level as individuals. (Contains 8 figures.)
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A