Experiment 2
The aim of Experiment 2 was to test whether motor activation per se facilitates imagery or merely
facilitates visual imagery by providing cues about the spatiotemporal changes that might be crucial for
a smooth mental transformation. The task again involved turning a glass with imaginary water so that
the water would reach the rim. However, the glass was not turned manually but rather was turned by
means of a remote-controlled motor. Thus, children and adults were provided with visual information
about the changes in time and space without letting them actively execute a corresponding hand
movement. It was of special interest whether children and adults would still turn the thin glasses farther
than the wide ones under these conditions because this would suggest the successful use of an
imagery strategy.