Abstract
The perception of intent in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often relies on synthetic animacy displays. This study tests intention
perception in ASD via animacy stimuli derived from human motion. Using a forced choice task, 28 participants (14 ASDs; 14
age and verbal-I.Q. matched controls) categorized displays of Chasing, Fighting, Flirting, Following, Guarding and Playing,
from two viewpoints (side, overhead) in both animacy and full video displays. Detailed analysis revealed no differences between
populations in accuracy, or response patterns. Collapsing across groups revealed Following and Video displays to be most accurately
perceived. The stimuli and intentions used are compared to those of previous studies, and the implication of our results on
the understanding of Theory of Mind in ASD is discussed.
perception in ASD via animacy stimuli derived from human motion. Using a forced choice task, 28 participants (14 ASDs; 14
age and verbal-I.Q. matched controls) categorized displays of Chasing, Fighting, Flirting, Following, Guarding and Playing,
from two viewpoints (side, overhead) in both animacy and full video displays. Detailed analysis revealed no differences between
populations in accuracy, or response patterns. Collapsing across groups revealed Following and Video displays to be most accurately
perceived. The stimuli and intentions used are compared to those of previous studies, and the implication of our results on
the understanding of Theory of Mind in ASD is discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-010-1130-8
- Authors
- Phil McAleer, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology and the School of Psychology, University of Glasgow, 58 Hillhead St, Glasgow, G12 8QB Scotland, UK
- Jim W. Kay, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Frank E. Pollick, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- M. D. Rutherford, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257