Previous studies have shown that, under specific conditions, pointed-to arrays can be recognized better than arrays that areonly visually observed. In the present study we investigated whether this memory advantage is due to movement per seor to attention to the movement. In two experiments we modulated the amount of attention devoted to the execution ofpointing movements by comparing the effects of passive and active pointing in a visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM)task. In Experiment 1, participants were instructed that their hands would be moved by the experimenter (passive pointing);in Experiment 2, participants performed active and passive pointing movements in random alternation. Results showedthat passive movements benefitted VSWM only when they were alternated with active movements. This finding suggeststhat the key factor underlying the positive effect of pointing on VSWM is the increased attention devoted to them in themixed pointing conditions of Experiment 2.

Many countries including India are struggling with the Covid-19 emergency. India started an official nation-wide immunisation campaign before the outbreak of the second wave in March 2021. However, the acceptance of vaccines was shaped by several factors including risk perception. The current study aimed at investigating the perception and susceptibility to the risk of ongoing Covid-19 emergency, and intention to get vaccinated among the Indian population. The online study involved 308 participants from different regions across India. Results showed that intention to get vaccinated was positively correlated with perception of risk, pro-sociality, use of preventive behaviours, and trust in science and medical professionals. The study highlighted the psychological and demographic variables which can be useful to tailor public health outreach programs in future pandemics.