Simulation across representation: The interplay of schemas and simulation-based inference on different levels of abstraction. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schilling, Malte; Chang, Nancy; Rohlfing, Katharina J.; Spranger, Michael
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 43(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X19003169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Language comprehension of action verbs recruits embodied representations in the brain that are assumed to invoke a mental simulation (e.g., "grasping a peanut"). This extends to abstract concepts, as well ("grasping an idea"). We, therefore, argue that mental simulation works across levels of abstractness and involves higher-level schematic structures that subsume a generic structure of actions and events.