运动距离效应的认知编码机制

Among the cognitive studies of action, an important behavioral method is used to observe Reaction Time (RT) and Movement Time (MT) as the functions of motor parameters. RT is measured from the beginning of target presentation to the initiation of a movement, which is regarded as the programming of the ongoing movement. MT is measured from the initiation to the end of the movement, which is regarded as the execution of the movement. However, the relationship between RT and motor parameters remains uncertain till now. Under the uncertainty many related issues cannot be settled for long period, especially the issues as whether the amplitude effect appears during RT, or what should the amplitude effect be during RT. The present study aimed to find out the amplitude effect and the related cognitive process under different experimental conditions. First, we discussed the potential composition of RT and suggested that RT that normally measured in previous experiments might not reflect motor programming very well. Then we designed a series experiments to observe the relationship between RT and motor programming by using different Index of Difficulty (ID), different instructions in which speed and accuracy were emphasized respectively, different vision condition during movement execution and Go/NoGo paradigm. Meanwhile, we compared the amplitude effect under the respective RT to make the specific conclusion about the amplitude effect, and the relationship between RT and MT as well. The main findings are showed as following. 1) Because of the existing of “preview”, “visual feedback control” and “speed-accuracy tradeoff”, RT reflects motor programming differently under different experimental conditions. 2) Under different experimental conditions, the amplitude effect on RT varies. RT could be too short to exhibit the amplitude effect. Or the amplitude effect could be that more RT is needed for shorter movement when RT is prolonged. Or the amplitude effect could be that more RT is needed for longer movement when RT is further prolonged. 3) Under the present experimental conditions, the amplitude effect on MT showed consistently that longer movement needs longer MT. 4) Under the present experimental conditions, the relationship between RT and MT is a kind of compensation. The present study has important theoretic significance. The cognitive process of action is an important part of human cognitive behavior. The related studies could be very helpful for human people to know about themselves and the relation between themselves and the surroundings as well. Keywords motor programming; amplitude effect; Reaction Time (RT); Movement Time (MT)

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