The Simon paradigm investigates the influence of task-irrelevant spatial features when participants react to the task-relevant feature, such as color. Participants generally show faster and more accurate responses when the stimulus and response locations overlap (compatible trials) than if the locations are on opposite sides and do not overlap (incompatible trials). The Simon paradigm is most often used with a horizontal stimulus display, but in the case of a vertical Simon task, the stimuli are displayed above or below the fixation cross while the response buttons can be labelled the same.
Researchers discuss if body position can impact cognitive conflict tasks such as the Simon paradigm. Our previous research found no modulation of the horizontal Simon effect due to body position. This poster will focus on how the vertical Simon effect is influenced by body position. In two experiments, participant had to perform in a vertical Simon task during sitting and standing. The focus will be if a modulation due to the body position can be found.