{"id":1094,"date":"2019-06-06T18:47:53","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T18:47:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antonyhall.net\/blog\/?p=1094"},"modified":"2022-04-26T09:17:02","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T09:17:02","slug":"action-intention-paradox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antonyhall.net\/blog\/action-intention-paradox\/","title":{"rendered":"Action Intention Paradox"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In this experiment, which is now renamed the ‘Alien Hands Experiment’ one participant [A] places their hands under a flat-screen monitor. They then see what seems to be their own hands under the screen when in fact these are someone else’s hands [B] who is mirroring their actions. The effect can be quite uncanny especially if the appearance of the hand contrast with their own [in scale, age or colour. Participants work together to lead or mirror the movements of what appears to be their own hands under a screen. After a short time, participants experience strange sensations which oscillate between a loss of agency over their own hands and feeling agency over someone else’s hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Action Intention Paradox uses a flat-screen video monitor [1], mounted on a frame [3] which elevates the screen in such a way it is possible for participant [A] to place their hands underneath it. A video camera [2] is mounted above the table and is focused on the hands of the participant [B]. The live footage is fed directly to the screen [1]. The screen [1] and camera [2] are positioned in such a way that it seems as if participant [A] can see their own hands underneath the screen. However, participant [A] actually sees the hands of the participant [B]. participant [B], sat adjacent to [B] can see participants [A]s hands under the screen, and can now copy or lead movements for [B] to copy. [This is similar to the methods used in the simulated out-of-body illusion or hand-shake illusions In which synchronous body movements are used as the stimuli to draw participants into the illusion.]\n\n\n\n

This work was developed in conjunction with the Unfeasible Object workshop.<\/a> \u00a0This experiment would make an ideal initiation activity to be used with the Autoscope as part of a\u00a0workshop<\/a>. This work is being developed further as part of the research project Experience in Action<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Action Intention Paradox Instructions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n