683
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Exploring the role of stimulus code–response modality compatibility on the spatial Stroop effect

&
Pages 1372-1387 | Received 11 Feb 2014, Accepted 19 Dec 2014, Published online: 05 Feb 2015
 

Abstract

This study investigated the compatibility of stimulus codes and response modalities and how it mediated the spatial Stroop effect. Stimulus code (word, arrow and moving dots), response modality (voice, keypress and mouse movement), directional information (left and right) and physical location (centre, left and right) of the stimulus were manipulated. Participants responded to the directional information of the stimulus. Spatial interference was expected when the stimulus’ directional information and physical location were incongruent. Results showed that more compatible pairings for the three response modalities were word–voice, arrow–keypress and arrow–movement. Incongruent spatial location delayed the reaction time for all response modalities with the word, speeded up the vocal and keypress responses with the moving dots, and had no effect with the arrow. Arrow was thus recommended for conveying directional information on interfaces. This study demonstrated that spatial interference was mediated by the stimulus code, response modality and their compatibility.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: This study manipulated three stimulus codes and three response modalities to examine how stimulus–response compatibility mediated the spatial Stroop effect. Spatial interference appeared with the word and moving dots, but not arrow stimulus, for vocal, keypress and mouse responses. Arrow was therefore recommended to convey directional information on an interface.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments in improving the final version of the paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the National Science Council of Taiwan [grant number NSC101-2410-H-194-056] to the first author.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.