The Simon effect – characterized by quicker responses when the location of the imperative stimulus corresponds to the position of the required response – has been recognized for decades (Simon, 1969) and is considered a valuable window into fundamental mechanisms of information processing. Simon effects have been found to vary depending on both spatial arrangement of stimuli and participants’ intentions, highlighting that the underlying cognitive processes are flexible and subject to modulation. Traditionally, Simon tasks are administered to individuals working in isolation, which does not reflect the inherently social nature of humans.
Therefore, this symposium spotlights the role of social information in modulating the Simon effect. Across four presentations and an integrative discussion, speakers will examine how agency attributions, perspective taking, and the presence of a co-actor influences performance in the Simon task. The findings will illuminate the social foundations of the classic Simon task.

Discussant: Roman Liepelt