Gesture as a Window and a Tool

Abstract

Gestures can give us a window in to the thought processes of the gesturer, and gesture production can impact the thought processes of the gesturer. Working from the gestures-as-simulated-action framework (Hostetter and Alibali, 2008), possible explanations for mechanisms by which this might occur are explored. These include that gestures can add action to the gesturer’s conceptual knowledge structure, that there is effort involved in inhibiting gesture, and that gesture can serve as a supplemental resource with which to interact with information. An important applied consideration of this work is whether these mechanisms operate to different extents in spontaneous gestures and induced gestures. Evidence for these perspectives and previous research on how gestures relate to the thoughts of those producing them is summarized, and a new experiment is proposed to extend this understanding. Applications of our knowledge about gestures are discussed in the context of psychological research methods, and user interaction.