Sensory and perceptual contributions to the preparation and execution of goal-directed action

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Consider, for instance, that I reach to swat a fly on my desk and miss it. If I try again, what type of error signal can I use to update and adjust my subsequent attempt? Does my conscious awareness of the error signal influence how and whether I adapt my reach? Does my awareness of the error signal influence what I think is the source of the error – for example, did I miss because the fly moved or I made a movement error? Does it matter whether or not I consciously control my reach or if I am able to unconsciously correct it? The long-term objective of the proposed research is to understand the principles that govern the adaptation of goal-directed reaching movements in the face of systematic disturbances to the sensory/perceptual environment and/or the effector machinery. The capacity of our sensorimotor system to adapt – to detect and correct movement error, to refine our actions and adjust to changing conditions in the environment and/or neuromuscular system – is important to act upon and interact with the world. The aim of the proposed research is to address the types of questions raised in the example above, and to contribute to, and further our understanding of sensorimotor adaptation.