The use of realistic and mechanical hands in the rubber hand illusion, and the relationship to hemispheric differences

Bertamini, Marco and O'Sullivan, Noreen (2014) The use of realistic and mechanical hands in the rubber hand illusion, and the relationship to hemispheric differences. Consciousness and Cognition, 27. pp. 89-99. ISSN 1053-8100

Text Bertamini & O'Sullivan 2014.docx - Accepted Version Download (1MB)

Abstract

Embodiment, as measured through the rubber-hand illusion (RHI), depends on the similarity between object to be embodied and part of the body it replaces. We compared a fake hand similar to a real hand, and one matched in size but made of wires (mechanical). Left and right versions were tested to investigate whether the effect of appearance was stronger in the left hand. We found that the mechanical hand induced embodiment, though to a reduced degree relative to the realistic hand (N=120). Left and right versions of the mechanical hand did not differ in strength of the illusion. However, with the left realistic hand there was a stronger relationship between drift (an objective measure of the illusion) and agreement on the questionnaire (subjective experience). With the mechanical hand, objective and subjective measures were unrelated. We discuss the results in relation to factors that influence the RHI and hemispheric differences.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Embodiment Laterality Rubber hand illusion Multi-sensory integration
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User:	Noreen O'Sullivan
Date Deposited:	04 Dec 2020 11:37
Last Modified:	04 Dec 2020 11:37
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/3186

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