Running head: Tools in peripersonal and extrapersonal space: Real vs. virtual line bisection Processing of peripersonal and extrapersonal space using tools: Evidence from visual line bisection in real and virtual environments

The dissociation between peripersonal (within reaching) and extrapersonal space (beyond reaching) has been reported using the line bisection task in left neglect patients and in healthy participants. Furthermore, this dissociation can be modulated by tool use. We conducted two experiments to compare line bisection in peripersonal (i.e., 30, 60 cm) and extrapersonal space (i.e., 90, 120 cm). Healthy participants bisected visual lines using sticks and a laser pointer, according to the experimental paradigm of Longo and Lourenco (2006). In Experiment 1 participants performed line bisection in a real environment, whereas in Experiment 2 participants performed line bisection in a virtual environment. Results from both experiments revealed an abrupt midpoint shift from the peripersonal to the extrapersonal space but only when a laser pointer was used. We confirm that peripersonal space can be extended to extrapersonal space by tool use. Notably, virtual reality can be a useful means for studying the dissociation between peripersonal and extrapersonal space and their interaction by means of tool use. Tools in Peripersonal and extrapersonal space: Real vs. virtual line bisection 1 Running head: Tools in peripersonal and extrapersonal space: Real vs. virtual line bisection Processing of peripersonal and extrapersonal space using tools: Evidence from visual line bisection in real and virtual environments Luciano Gamberini, Bruno Seraglia, and Konstantinos Priftis 1 Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy 2 IRCCS San Camillo, Lido-Venice, Italy Corresponding author* Luciano Gamberini, PhD Human Technology Laboratories Department of General Psychology, University of Padova via Venezia, 8, 35131, Padova, Italy Phone: +39-0498276605 Fax: +39-0498276600 (shared) Email: luciano.gamberini@unipd.it Manuscript