The Goal-Dependence of Level-1 and Level-2 Visual Perspective Calculation

Does tracking another agent's visual perspective depend on having a goal-albeit a remote one-to do so? In 5 experiments using indirect measures of visual perspective taking with a cartoon avatar, we examined whether and how adult perceivers' processing goals shape the incidental tracking o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition memory, and cognition, 2021-06, Vol.47 (6), p.948-967
Main Authors: Todd, Andrew R., Cameron, C. Daryl, Simpson, Austin J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adults
Automatism
Dissociation
Female
Goal Orientation
Goals
Human
Intelligent vehicle highway systems
Linear Perspective
Male
Mentalization
Perspective Taking
Psychology
Role Taking
Social policy
Studies
Theory of Mind
Tracking control systems
Undergraduate Students
Visual Perception
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Summary:Does tracking another agent's visual perspective depend on having a goal-albeit a remote one-to do so? In 5 experiments using indirect measures of visual perspective taking with a cartoon avatar, we examined whether and how adult perceivers' processing goals shape the incidental tracking of what objects the avatar sees (Level-1 perspective taking) and how the avatar sees those objects (Level-2 perspective taking). Process dissociation analyses, which aim to isolate calculation of the avatar's perspective as the process of focal interest, revealed that both Level-1 and Level-2 perspective calculation were consistently weaker when the avatar's perspective was less relevant for participants' own processing goals. This pattern of goal-dependent perspective tracking was also evident in behavioral analyses of interference from the avatar's differing perspective when reporting one's own perspective (i.e., altercentric interference). These results suggest that, although Level-1 and Level-2 visual perspective calculation may operate unintentionally, both also appear to depend on perceivers' processing goals. More generally, these findings advance understanding of processes underlying visual perspective taking and the conditional automaticity with which those processes operate.
ISSN:0278-7393
1939-1285
DOI:10.1037/xlm0000973