Simon effect

English

Etymology

Named for J. R. Simon, who first published the effect in the late 1960s.

Noun

Simon effect (plural Simon effects)

1. (psychology) The finding that reactions are usually faster and more accurate when the stimulus occurs in the same relative location as the response, even if the stimulus location is irrelevant to the task.
   • 2019, Albert Costa, translated by John W. Schwieter, The Bilingual Brain, Penguin, published 2021, page 99:

     Studies by Ellen Bialystok at York University in Toronto revealed that bilingual speakers showed a reduced Simon effect compared to monolinguals.