Impact forces of one- and two-element target-aiming responses

The aim of this study was to test the target impact constraint hypothesis of the one-target advantage. The one-target advantage phenomenon reflects the finding that movements to a single target show shorter movement times than similar movements followed by a second movement toward a second target. The target impact constraint hypothesis attributes this phenomenon to differences in passive deceleration through impact with target. Specifically, larger impact forces for one-element responses than for two-element responses are hypothesized. The present study tested this hypothesis directly by measuring impact forces for oneand two-element responses. Results did not reveal any significant differences in amount of impact force as a function of response type, and, hence, did not support the target impact constraint hypothesis. PsycINFO classification: 2330