Effect of perceptual load on conceptual processing: an extension of Vermeulen's theory

Percept Mot Skills. 2013 Oct;117(2):542-58. doi: 10.2466/24.22.PMS.117x20z0.

Abstract

The effect of color and shape load on conceptual processing was studied. Perceptual load effects have been found in visual and auditory conceptual processing, supporting the theory of embodied cognition. However, whether different types of visual concepts, such as color and shape, share the same perceptual load effects is unknown. In the current experiment, 32 participants were administered simultaneous perceptual and conceptual tasks to assess the relation between perceptual load and conceptual processing. Keeping color load in mind obstructed color conceptual processing. Hence, perceptual processing and conceptual load shared the same resources, suggesting embodied cognition. Color conceptual processing was not affected by shape pictures, indicating that different types of properties within vision were separate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Color Perception / physiology*
  • Concept Formation / physiology*
  • Female
  • Form Perception / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Young Adult