Abstract
To be successful, interpersonal coordination is dependent on the ability to predict another's action and adjust accordingly (Konvalinka, et al., 2010). In a joint-action task, Beginning State Comfort (BSC) is thus highlighted by the ability to plan motor actions in advance and "incur all the cost of the movement…to maximize the benefit to the other person" (Gonzalez, et al., 2011, p.348). This study aimed to determine how BSC, as well as hand preference, object location, object orientation and task interact in advanced motor planning. Wilfrid Laurier University students (N=18) participated in this study; where use of the Waterloo Handedness Questionnaire identified 3 left- and 15 right-handers. Using a preferential reaching paradigm, coffee mugs were arranged at 3 locations in peripersonal space, with handles oriented in 4 directions. Participants completed two tasks: pass the mug to the researcher and pour a glass and pass it to the researcher. BSC was deemed present if the mug was passed in a way that allowed the handle to be grasped comfortably. Participants completed the Empathy Quotient Questionnaire to assess differences in empathy levels, considering the task involved passing a mug containing a hot beverage. Results suggest that evidence of BSC is dependent on object orientation and task difficulty. Furthermore, an individual's level of empathy is directly related to facilitating another's BSC.Acknowledgments: Research Support: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (P.J.B); Faculty of Science StudentsÔÇÖ Association (K.A.S)