The Effect of Body Movements is not confined to Attentional Control: The Influence of Gestures on Intensity and Consistency of Attention

Cognitive mechanisms are influenced by gestures. Among these cognitive mechanisms, attention is one of the most significant cognitive functions which can be impacted by gestures. While many studies investigated how different types of attentional control are impacted by gesture, the influence of gesture on the intensity and consistency of attention is overlooked. Intensity and consistency of attention are two qualities of attention that can be influenced by gesture at different levels and act as a mediator in the relationship between gesture and cognitive task performance. The results of our study determined that when iconic gestures accompany the speech, there is a significant difference in the intensity, t (۶۱) = ۶.۴۱, p = .۰۰۰, d = ۰.۸۲, ۹۵% C.L. (۰.۷۱, ۱.۳۵), and consistency of attention, t (۶۱) = ۷.۰۵, p = .۰۰۰, d = ۰.۹۰, ۹۵% C.L. (۱.۴۱, ۲.۵۲). Actually, participants demonstrated a higher level of intensity and consistency of attention when iconic gestures were integrated into the speech. The results of our study can be practical in different contexts, especially for educational purposes. Considering our results, students would have better performance if tutors deliver their messages along with gestures. Given the effect of gestures on attentional control, also intensity and consistency of attention, much more attentional resources would be devoted to the course once reinforcing gestures accompany the speech.

Keywords:

Gesture , Attention , Intensity of attention , Consistency of attention