Perceptual Simulation in Gender Categorization: Associations between Gender, Vertical Height, and Spatial Size

Xiaobin Zhang,Qiong Li,Kendall J Eskine,Bin Zuo,Philip Allen

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0089768

Xiaobin Zhang, Qiong Li + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089768

Copy DOI

Abstract

The current studies extend perceptual symbol systems theory to the processing of gender categorization by revealing that gender categorization recruits perceptual simulations of spatial height and size dimensions. In study 1, categorization of male faces were faster when the faces were in the “up” (i.e., higher on the vertical axis) rather than the “down” (i.e., lower on the vertical axis) position and vice versa for female face categorization. Study 2 found that responses to male names depicted in larger font were faster than male names depicted in smaller font, whereas opposite response patterns were given for female names. Study 3 confirmed that the effect in Study 2 was not due to metaphoric relationships between gender and social power. Together, these findings suggest that representation of gender (social categorization) also involves processes of perceptual simulation.

Highlights

Emerging evidence has revealed that human thought draws from one’s embodiment, which refers both to actual bodily states and to simulations of embodied experiences in the brain’s modality-specific systems for perception, action, and introspection [1]
According to perceptual symbol systems theory, conceptual representations are tied to their perceptual basis and conceptual processing involves the partial simulation of those perceptual experiences that initially accompanied category exemplars
Perceptual symbols are raw materials that make up the variable constructions and they draw from all senses, including proprioception, introspection, and motor programs [5], and they are derived from multiple sources of direct experience [6]

Summary

Introduction

Emerging evidence has revealed that human thought draws from one’s embodiment, which refers both to actual bodily states and to simulations of embodied experiences in the brain’s modality-specific systems for perception, action, and introspection [1]. Tucker and Ellis found representations of grapes and hammers can be activated through simulations of motor processes involved in precision and power grips, respectively [4]. Such findings can be explained through a perceptual symbol systems account, which undergirds such ‘‘embodied cognition’’ effects [1]. Perceptual symbols are raw materials that make up the variable constructions (i.e., simulations) and they draw from all senses, including proprioception, introspection, and motor programs [5], and they are derived from multiple sources of direct experience [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion