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Preparation of response force and movement direction: Onset effects on the lateralized readiness potential

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2000

HILTRAUT MÜLLER-GETHMANN
Affiliation:
Department of General Psychology and Methodology, University of Tübingen, Germany
GERHARD RINKENAUER
Affiliation:
Department of General Psychology and Methodology, University of Tübingen, Germany
JUTTA STAHL
Affiliation:
Department of General Psychology and Methodology, University of Tübingen, Germany
ROLF ULRICH
Affiliation:
Department of General Psychology and Methodology, University of Tübingen, Germany
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Abstract

Two experiments assessed the preparatory effects of advance information about response force and movement direction on the lateralized readiness potential (LRP). In a choice reaction time (RT) task, an imperative stimulus required an isometric flexion or an extension of the left or right index finger. Prior information about response force or about movement direction reduced RT and shortened the interval from the onset of the imperative stimulus up to the onset of the LRP. Advance information, however, about direction but not about force decreased the interval from LRP onset to the onset of the overt response. The identical pattern of results was obtained in a second experiment, in which each participant performed both precue conditions. The findings of both experiments support the notion that response force is specified before movement direction. These results are consistent with the view accordingly different mechanisms are involved in the specification of muscle force and movement direction.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2000 Society for Psychophysiological Research

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