Effector-specific priming-effects in combat sports
According to simulation theory observers internally simulate actions performed by other individuals as if they would execute the action themselves. This action simulation might involve an activation of the effectors, which are used for a specific action and might lead to effector-specific priming effects. In our experiments we test, how participants’ reaction to color targets is influenced by the presence of images showing a combat sports athlete performing kicks and punches. To this end, participants are instructed to indicate the color of a target (e.g., a circle presented in the picture) by pressing a hand or a foot button. Usually, reaction times and error rates are influenced by the task irrelevant pictures of the combat sports athlete.