Created stepping-stone configurations depend on task constraints

Jeffrey B Wagman*, Maisha Tahsin Orthy, Amy M Jeschke, Tyler Duffrin

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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    Abstract

    Previous studies have shown that choices about how to configure stepping-stones to be used as playground or exercise equipment reflect a person's action capabilities. In two experiments, we investigated whether choices about how to configure stepping-stones to be used as a path for locomotion additionally reflect the goals for which or the constraints under which the path is to be used. In Experiment 1, participants created stepping-stone configurations (with rubber mats) that would allow them to cross a given space quickly, comfortably, or carefully. Configurations in the "Quickly" condition consisted of fewer mats, and longer mean (linear) distances between mats, and greater "challenge" (relative to maximum stepping distance) than in the other two conditions. In Experiment 2, participants created stepping-stone configurations that would be fun to use or that would be easy to use to cross a given space. Configurations in the "Fun" condition consisted of more mats, longer linear distances between mats, and greater "challenge" than those in the "Easy" condition. Moreover, paths in the "Fun" condition were also wider, longer, and exhibited larger changes in distances and angles between consecutive mats than in the "Easy" condition. The results are discussed both in terms of implications for understanding affordances and for the design of stepping-stone paths.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2283-2295
    Number of pages13
    JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
    Volume77
    Issue number11
    Early online date10-Apr-2024
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Nov-2024

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