Abstract

The present study examines "transfer effects" (i.e., modulation of the Simon effect as a function of a previous task) in the reversed Simon effect, a rarely studied phenomenon observable in a small percentage of individuals who respond faster in non-corresponding conditions than in corresponding ones. A large sample was tested with a Simon task (i.e., Baseline); among them, participants exhibiting the reversed Simon effect were selected. They then performed a spatial compatibility task with either compatible or incompatible stimulus-response mapping (i.e., Inducer), followed by a Simon task (i.e., Diagnostic). Results show that the Inducer task modulates the reversed Simon effect: incompatible mapping favors elimination, whereas compatible mapping favors inversion, highlighting a key role of control processes/inhibition of the automatic route.