Motor facilitation following action observation: A behavioural study in prehensile action

Martin Edwards, Glyn Humphreys, U Castiello

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

121 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Previous research has shown that the observation of actions and the execution of actions activate common neural systems. More recently, we have presented data showing that action observation of prehension primes subsequent execution (Castiello, Lusher, Mari, Edwards, & Humphreys, 2002). In the current paper we examined action priming under conditions in which the size of the prime did not predict the size of the target (only 20% of trials were valid). We demonstrated reliable priming under these conditions, consistent with the effect occurring automatically. In addition, we show priming even when observers saw just the object rather than the object and a reaching action on the prime trial. We discuss the findings in relation to the role of mirror neurons and object affordances.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)495-502
Number of pages8
JournalBrain and Cognition
Volume53
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2003

Keywords

  • action goals
  • object affordance
  • prehension
  • mirror neurons

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Motor facilitation following action observation: A behavioural study in prehensile action'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this