Motor Learning
Regarding motor performance curves, what is always plotted on the X and Y-axes?
X = practice (e.g., weeks, months, years); Y = performance
Between massed and distributed practice, which is more likely to generate fatigue?
massed practice
What is the name given to practice involving the rehearsal of many variations within a single
class of movements?
variable practice
T - F Augmented feedback is necessary for motor learning to occur.
False
___________________ is the temporary worsening of performance that is brought on by
passage of time away from the task, and that is eliminated reatively quickly when the
performer begins again.
Warm-up decrement
Identify the gold standard method for measuring motor learning, and list its three
components.
Transfer/Retention Design;
1. practice, 2. retention interval, 3. retention test
What are the two critical/essential motor learning variables?
1. amount of practice; 2. feedback
Theoretically, optimal learning would result from using two of the following practice
schedules simultaneously, which two? (blocked, variable, constant & random).
variable and random
Is augmented feedback processed consciously or unconsciously?
consciously
List the three stages of motor learning proposed by Fitts - in the order in which they occur.
cognitive, fixation, autonomous
A performance curve depicting a reduction in the rate of change in performance over time
is called a _________________ performance curve.
negatively accelerated
List the three skill presentation techniques, and indicate which one is intended to result in
observational learning.
1. instructions (verbal), 2. demonstration, 3. guidance.
Demonstration is intended to result in observational learning.
List the two hypotheses for why random practice is more effective than blocked practice for
motor learning?
The forgetting hypothesis and the elaboration hypothesis
Ideally, how should the absolute and relative frequencies of augmented feedback change
over the course of motor learning?
Absolute frequency should go up while the relative frequency goes down
T - F To maximize motor learning, an instructor should always attempt to maximize a
learner’s performance during practice.
False
Explain the difference between a motor learning variable and a motor performance
variable.
A motor learning variable is something that has a relatively permanent influence on
motor performance. Conversely, a motor performance variable is something that has a relatively
temporary impact on motor performance.
The quality of simulation practice is often measured in terms of its fidelity. Define
simulation fidelity and list its two types.
Fidelity is the extent to which the simulation mimics the real-world task. The types of
fidelity are physical and psychological.
Use schema theory to explain how a performer produces a novel variation of a well-learned
motor skill.
The performer will use the schema to estimate the parameter values necessary to
produce the novel variation.
For videotape feedback to be effective for motor learning, what must accompany it?
Cueing
Feedback given to learners only when their errors exceed a certain tolerance level is called
______________________.
bandwidth feedback
What are the two primary reasons for including a retention interval when testing for motor
learning?
1. to allow the temporary effects of practice to dissipate; 2. to test for permanence of
change in skilled performance
How is the amount of component interaction in a serial skill related to the effectiveness of
part practice?
The greater the component interaction in a serial skill, the less effective part-practice
will be.
____________________ refers to giving learners “ownership” over some of the
components of practice.
Self-regulation
List the three positive properties of augmented feedback, and indicate which one Dr. Berg
believes is most important.
motivational, attentional focusing, informational (most important)
In the context of motor learning, what is a reference of correctness, and why is it important
that a learner establish one?
A reference of correctness is a sense for how a movement should feel if it is done
correctly. It is important for a learner to establish a reference of correctness so that
he/she can detect and correct errors without assistance.