IMPACT FORCES OF ONE-ELEMENT AND 2-ELEMENT TARGET-AIMING RESPONSES

The aim of this study was to test the target impact constraint hypothe sis of the one-target advantage. The one-target advantage phenomenon r eflects the finding that movements to a single target show shorter mov ement times than similar movements followed by a second movement towar d 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 respon ses than for two-element responses are hypothesized. The present study tested this hypothesis directly by measuring impact forces for one- a nd two-element responses. Results did not reveal any significant diffe rences in amount of impact force as a function of response type, and, hence, did not support the target impact constraint hypothesis.