ABSTRACT
Everyday events, such as making a bed, are segmented hierarchically, with the coarse level punctuated by objects or object parts and the fine level by articulated actions on objects. Here we examine segmentation of events involving abstract, ambiguous motion paths of several geometric figures, viewed once or five times. Segmentation was hierarchical for both; however after one viewing, events were interpreted as movements whereas after five viewings, they were interpreted as intentional actions. Fewer (but the same) segments were identified after five viewings. Experience did not affect segment boundaries but did affect segment interpretation, shifting from bottom-up to top-down.
