Precision Knowledge of Results and Motor Performance: Relationship to Age

In motor skill performance and retention the complexity of knowledge of results should interact with the child's processing rate. This rate has been demonstrated to increase with age. Two experiments were designed to assess this hypothesis. In Experiment 1, 30 7-year-old and 30 10-year-old boys were randomly assigned within age level to three knowledge of results (KR) conditions: no KR, general KR, and precise KR. Performance was assessed on a vertical positioning task at two angles, 60° and 100°, for 10 performance trials. The preciseness of KR interacted with age and the degree of the angle, indicating that at the more difficult angle (60°) preciseness may have been detrimental to the performance of the 7-year-olds but beneficial to the 10-year-olds. At the easier angle (100°), precise KR improved performance for both age groups. In Experiment 2, 27 second-grade and 27 fourth-grade children were randomly assigned within age groups to the same three levels of KR preciseness. A horizontal curvilinear positioning task was used as the motor task and subjects were given 40 acquisition and 19 KR withdrawal trials. Results suggested that while KR was better than no KR during learning, the level of KR preciseness was of minor importance. However, the preciseness of KR during acquisition was of considerable value after KR was withdrawn (retention phase). The older children were able to use more precise KR to form a perceptual trace more resistant to forgetting, while the younger children were unable to use the additional information contained in precise KR.     

主观估计错误活动、结果反馈时机与运动技能的学习

采用键盘敲击任务探讨学习者主观估计错误活动、结果反馈时机(knowledge of results,简称KR)对运动技能学习的影响.抽取90名右利手的在校大学生,随机分为:主观估计无KR组、主观估计及时KR组、主观估计延迟KR组,算术活动无KR组,算术活动及时KR组,算术活动延迟KR组(组间性别均衡设计).主观估计错误活动组在练习间以口头报告的形式评估自己刚才操作总时间的误差,算术活动组按照实验员的要求进行数字算术口头运算.无KR组不提供KR,及时KR组在主观估计错误活动或算术活动后即刻获得KR,延迟KR组则延迟4s获得KR.第1-2天,6组受试者在各自的条件下分别练习,每天练习108次.第3天,练习后,休息10min,使用原任务进行保持测试10次,要求受试者每次测试后口头报告自己操作的总时间.第4天,使用原任务进行保持测试10次,要求受试者每次测试后口头报告自己操作的总时间.结果显示:(1)练习后从事主观估计错误活动,并能及时获得KR的学习者,保持测试的绩效最好;(2)主观估计错误活动影响提供KR的适宜时机.     

错误结果反馈对追踪任务学习迁移的影响

采用电脑追踪任务探讨错误结果反馈(KR)对运动技能学习迁移的影响.抽取在校大学生,随机分为正确KR组、错误KR组、混合KR组(组间性别均衡设计).在第1-3 d,3组受试者练习时分别获得正确的KR、错误的KR,或者获得25次正确KR后,再获得25次错误KR.正确的KR是每次追踪误差的毫秒数,错误的KR则是正确KR数值+10 mm.在第4 d,3组受试者分剐在无KR的条件下,用原任务进行保持测试10次,之后再操作两个迁移任务各10次.显示:KR在一致性时机任务和电脑追踪任务中的作用机理类似,当可以获得KR时,学习者将它作为觉察和纠正操作错误的信息源:错误KR会带来迁移测试绩效的偏差.提示:学习者形成自身觉察错误能力是运动技能学习的关键,实践工作者应根据运动情境的特点,合理地提供结果反馈,以促进运动技能的学习.     

Optimizing generalized motor program and parameter learning

Two experiments examined generalized motor program (GMP) and parameter learning. Experiment 1 examined the effects of bandwidth knowledge of results (KR) about relative timing in constant and variable practice. The purpose was to determine if movement stability created by the bandwidth manipulation is associated with increased GMP learning and if bandwidth KR interacts with constant and variable practice. Participants were asked to depress four keys sequentially, using the same relative timing structure. Constant practice had one absolute timing requirement, whereas variable practice had three different absolute timing requirements. The results indicated that GMP learning was enhanced by constant practice (independent of the bandwidth KR condition) and by bandwidth KR, when variable practice was used. The findings suggest practice conditions (bandwidth KR, constant practice) that increase movement stability during practice enhance GMP learning. Parameter learning (during transfer), however, was enhanced by variable practice. Experiment 2 attempted to determine how constant and variable practice conditions could be combined to enhance both GMP and parameter learning. The results indicated that developing a stable GMP early in practice--by providing learners with constant practice early in practice--and refining parameter learning later in practice--by providing them with variable practice late in practice--were effective for both GMP and parameter learning. This suggests a hierarchy in the development of programmed actions with a stable GMP being a requisite for developing an effective and stable parameter rule.     

Feedback After Good Trials Enhances Learning

Recent studies (Chiviacowsky & Wulf, 2002, 2005) have shown that learners prefer to receive feedback after they believe they had a “good” rather than “poor”trial. The present study followed up on this finding and examined whether learning would benefit if individuals received feedback after good relative to poor trials. Participants practiced a task that required them to throw beanbags at a target with their nondominant arm. Vision was prevented during and after the throws. All participants received knowledge of results (KR) on three trials in each 6-trial block. While one group (KR good) received KR for the three most effective trials in each block, another (KR poor) received feedback for the three least effective trials in each block. There were no group differences in practice. However, the KR good group showed learning advantages on a delayed retention test (without KR). These results demonstrated that learning is facilitated if feedback is provided after good rather than poor trials. The findings are interpreted as evidence for a motivational function of feedback.     

The effects of different knowledge of results spacing and summarizing techniques on the acquisition of a ballistic movement

The present study crossed three knowledge of results summarizing techniques (single-trial KR, summary KR, and average KR) with two spacing conditions (KR on every fifth trial-20%- and KR on every trial-100%). Participants (n = 10 per group) performed 80 acquisition trials of a ballistic movement task involving both a temporal and spatial goal, followed by 30 immediate (10 min) and 30 delayed (2 days) no-KR transfer trials. For the spatial goal, performance was less accurate (absolute constant error) for the 20% spacing condition than the 100% condition during acquisition, but more accurate during delayed transfer. No effects were significant for variable error. For the temporal goal, performance was more accurate for the summary and average conditions than the single-trial KR condition; however, this effect was only present within the 20% spacing condition and only during Block 1 of acquisition. A similar effect held for variable error as well, except that the effect persisted for acquisition and transfer. It was concluded that the spacing of KR is more influential in promoting spatial accuracy than the summarizing of KR.     

Feedback after good trials enhances learning

Recent studies (Chiviacowsky & Wulf, 2002, 2005) have shown that learners prefer to receive feedback after they believe they had a "good" rather than "poor" trial. The present study followed up on this finding and examined whether learning would benefit if individuals received feedback after good relative to poor trials. Participants practiced a task that required them to throw beanbags at a target with their nondominant arm. Vision was prevented during and after the throws. All participants received knowledge of results (KR) on three trials in each 6-trial block. While one group (KR good) received KR for the three most effective trials in each block, another (KR poor) received feedback for the three least effective trials in each block. There were no group differences in practice. However the KR good group showed learning advantages on a delayed retention test (without KR). These results demonstrated that learning is facilitated if feedback is provided after good rather than poor trials. The findings are interpreted as evidence for a motivational function of feedback.     

Summary and frequency of KR presentation effects on retention of a motor skill

This experiment investigates the recent proposal of Schmidt, Young, Swinnen, and Shapiro (1989) that summary knowledge of results (KR) improves skill retention. In Schmidt et al.'s experiment, however, summary length varied concomitantly with the frequency of KR presentation. The current investigation held KR presentation frequency constant while manipulating the number of trials seen in the summary KR display. Subjects were required to perform a timing task on a linear slide. Five groups (n = 12) of subjects participated in acquisition trials then in 10-min and 2-day delayed no-KR retention tests. In 4 conditions, subjects completed each acquisition block without any KR, but following each block they received KR on either 15, 7, 3, or 1 of the 15 trials performed in that block. In the final condition subjects received immediate KR. Analysis of the absolute constant error (magnitude of CE) data for acquisition revealed all groups improved with practice and the immediate KR group performed better than all the summary groups which in turn did not differ significantly. Analysis of the magnitude of CE retention data found performance to be worse on the 2-day retention test for all groups. The effect of condition was significant. The 1/1 group had lower error scores than all other groups, which in turn were not significantly different. Analyses of variable error (VE) revealed only that VE decreased with practice. These findings suggest frequency of KR presentation may be the basis for the summary KR effect found by Schmidt et al. (1989).     

Optimal Length for Summary Knowledge of Results: The Influence of Task-Related Experience and Complexity

Abstract

Because manipulations of knowledge of results (KR) are critical to motor learning, researchers have attempted to establish an optimal length for summary KR. Experiment 1 of the present study investigated the option that optimal summary length may be dependent on a subject's task-related experience. Participants in a summary 1, 5, or 15 condition practiced a simple striking task for one session on three consecutive days with each day followed by a 24-hour no KR retention test. The retention test results indicated that optimal summary length is dependent on task-related experience. Experiment 2 investigated the nature of the relationship between task-related experience and complexity and optimal summary length (summary 1, 5, or 15). Again, striking tasks (simple and complex) were used. There was one practice session with either a simple or complex striking task for either novice or experienced performers, followed by a 24-hour no KR retention test. Data from the two experiments suggest that task complexity and performer experience interact in determining optimal summary length.     

年龄对结果反馈时间点适宜值的影响

采用二维轨迹追踪任务探讨年龄对结果反馈(KR)时间点适宜值的影响。抽取150名右利手的18～22岁、35～39岁、60～64岁各50人,分为3组(每组男女各25名)。三组受试者分别在5种KR反馈条件下,练习两维轨迹追踪任务3天,每天练习30次。第3天练习结束后休息10min,3组受试者进行无KR保持测试。一天后,再进行无KR的保持测试。结果显示:(1)年龄影响延迟KR在运动技能学习中的作用;(2)年龄与KR时间点适宜值存在相互作用,随着个体年龄的增长,年龄与KR时间点适宜值之间呈现U型关系,即延迟4s提供KR利于中年组个体自身觉察错误能力的形成,而即刻提供KR利于青年组和老年组个体自身觉察错误能力的形成。以上结果还提示,自身觉察错误能力形成发展的趋势与个体生长发育的规律相吻合。     

Maximizing Performance Feedback Effectiveness through Videotape Replay and a Self-Controlled Learning Environment

This study was designed to examine whether participants who could control the schedule of performance feedback (KP) would learn differentially from those who received a rigid feedback schedule while learning a complex task. Participants (N = 48) were randomly assigned to self-controlled KP (SELF), summary KP (SUMMARY), yoked control (YOKE), or knowledge of results only (KR) conditions. Data collection consisted of an acquisition phase and a 4-day retention phase during which right-handed participants performed a left-handed ball throw. Overall, throwing form improved across trial blocks during acquisition, with the SUMMARY, SELF, and YOKE groups showing more improvement than the KR group. During retention, the SELF group retained a higher level of throwing form and accuracy in comparison to the other groups. Results suggest that when given the opportunity to control the feedback environment, learners require relatively less feedback to acquire skills and retain those skills at a level equivalent to or surpassing those who are given more feedback but receive it passively.     

Validity of Palpation Recovery Pulse Rate to Estimate Exercise Heart Rate Following Four Intensities of Bench Step Exercise

Abstract

Previous investigations regarding activity during the post-knowledge of results (KR) interval have considered the performance of interference groups over KR-supplied acquisition trials as indicative of effects upon learning. The absence of transfer tests in these studies, however, preclude such an assumption. Indeed, the use of a retention test in the present investigation (no-KR trials following an interpolated phase) provided evidence suggesting that, while activity during the post-KR interval is detrimental to performance, no such assumption can be made regarding this effect upon learning. These findings are discussed relative to recent arguments that some of the commonly accepted “Laws of KR” may be contradictory when applied simultaneously to motor learning and performance.     

The Post Knowledge of Results Interval: Effects of Interpolated Activity on Cognitive Information Processing

Abstract

The present study investigated the effects of interpolated activity on the cognitive information processing operations occurring during the post knowledge of results (KR) interval. Eighty right-handed subjects were randomly assigned to four post-KR interval activity groups and required to complete the McCloy blocks test of multiple response to a criterion of three consecutive errorless trials in less than 35 sec each. The four post-KR intervals included: (1) interfering verbal cognitive activity, (2) attention-demanding verbal activity, (3) attention-demanding motor activity, or (4) rest. Orthogonal planned comparisons indicated that the post-KR interval activity groups differed from the rest group on the acquisition of the criterion task. Comparisons of verbal versus motor, and of interfering verbal cognitive versus attention-demanding verbal activities revealed no significant findings. Additional findings indicated no significant relationship between criterion and interpolated activity performance. Discussion centered on the role of KR in hypothesis selection and evaluation during the post-KR interval, and on the debilitating effects of interpolated activity on this process.     

Decreasing the proportion of self-control trials during the acquisition period does not compromise the learning advantages in a self-controlled context

The present experiment examined the learning effects of participants self-controlling their receipt of knowledge of results (KR) on all or half of their acquisition trials (50%). For participants who were provided 50% self-control, the first half of their acquisition period consisted of receiving KR on all trials, or according to a faded-KR schedule. Participants practiced a sequential timing task. The results showed that independent of practice condition, participants who self-controlled their KR during the acquisition period demonstrated superior performance compared to the respective yoked conditions in the retention and transfer portion of the experiment. These results extend previous research by suggesting that decreasing the proportion of self-control trials does not compromise learning in a self-controlled context.     

Decreasing the Proportion of Self-Control Trials During the Acquisition Period Does Not Compromise the Learning Advantages in a Self-Controlled Context

The present experiment examined the learning effects of participants self-controlling their receipt of knowledge of results (KR) on all or half of their acquisition trials (50%). For participants who were provided 50% self-control, the first half of their acquisition period consisted of receiving KR on all trials, or according to a faded-KR schedule. Participants practiced a sequential timing task. The results showed that independent of practice condition, participants who self-controlled their KR during the acquisition period demonstrated superior performance compared to the respective yoked conditions in the retention and transfer portion of the experiment. These results extend previous research by suggesting that decreasing the proportion of self-control trials does not compromise learning in a self-controlled context.     

The role of reduced frequency of knowledge of results during constant practice

Two experiments were conducted to further examine the effects of reduced knowledge of results (KR) frequency on the learning of motor skills during constant practice. In Experiment 1, participants in five KR conditions (100% KR, 50% KR-fade, 50% KR-reverse fade, 50% KR-alternative, and 50% KR-random) practiced a movement timing task. In Experiment 2, participants in two KR conditions (100% KR and 50% KR-fade) practiced a waveform reproduction task. The results of both experiments failed to indicate that reduced KR frequency was more effective in promoting learning than the 100% KR conditions. The present study adds to the increasing number of experiments that do not find a benefit of reduced KR frequency on learning in constant practice.     

Subject Gender,Knowledge of Results,and Receptor Anticipation

The effect of subject gender and knowledge of results (KR) on receptor anticipation (Poulton, 1957) was investigated. Twenty trials were given in which subjects (N = 80) attempted to time a preferred-hand button press response coincident with the lighting of the last of a series of runway lights illuminating in a pattern of apparent motion of 9 mph. Half of the subjects received quantitative KR after each trial and half performed without KR. Each group contained 20 males and 20 females. Mean absolute error, mean algebraic error, and variable error were calculated for each subject on the block of trials 2 to 5 and on the three subsequent 5-trial blocks. The dependent measures were then analyzed by means of separate 2 × 2 × 4 (Gender × KR × Blocks) ANOVAs with repeated measures on the last factor. The results indicated that the receptor anticipation of males was more accurate and less variable than that of females, and KR did not influence the accuracy of anticipations but was associated with higher intravariability. Sociocultural and physiological explanations for sex differences in receptor anticipation are discussed.     

Coding of Learned Kinesthetic Location Information

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the coding characteristics of kinesthetic location information acquired during learning trials. Forty-eight blindfolded subjects learned to make a linear response with the right hand to a criterion location during 13 trials. Upon completion of the learning trials, subjects performed 10 trials without knowledge of results (KR) under one of four treatment conditions which were defined by the limb used and the dominant source of feedback available. Specifically, the conditions were right-hand control with kinesthetic feedback, left-hand kinesthetic, right-hand visual, and left-hand visual. The results of the ANOVAs for absolute error (AE) and constant error (CE) from the no-KR trials revealed that the visual feedback groups made significantly greater response errors than did the kinesthetic feedback groups. The blocks main effect for CE was also significant. Analysis of variable error (VE) indicated that the visual feedback groups were significantly more consistent in their responses than were the kinesthetic feedback groups. Within a motor learning paradigm, the concept of a spatial-location coordinate system was supported by the similar performances of the right-handed and left-handed groups. A discrepancy in this system was identified when visual feedback was provided for controlling the response to a location previously learned with kinesthetic cues.     

The Effect of Knowledge of Results Delay and the Subjective Estimation of Movement Form on the Acquisition and Retention of a Motor Skill

Abstract

This study examined the effects of knowledge of results (KR) delay and subjective estimation of movement form on the acquisition and retention of a motor skill. During acquisition, four groups of participants performed 60 trials of a throwing accuracy task under the following conditions: (a) immediate KR, (b) delayed KR, (c) immediate KR + form estimation, and (d) delayed KR + form estimation. Retention tests of throwing accuracy and outcome error estimation in the absence of visual KR were administered 5 min and 24 hours following acquisition. Throwing accuracy was significantly higher during acquisition but significantly lower during retention for immediate-KR participants than for delayed-KR participants. However, participants who estimated their movement form during acquisition produced significantly higher throwing accuracy and lower estimation error during retention than those who did not.     

Relationship of Trait Anxiety,Peer Presence,Task Difficulty,and Skill Acquisition of Sixth-Grade Boys

Abstract

The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) trait anxiety questionnaire was administered to all sixth-grade boys at one school (N = 181). Based on results of the questionnaire, 40 high-anxious and 40 low-anxious subjects were identified for participation in the study. Stratified random assignments of these subjects in a counterbalanced manner resulted in the creation of eight experimental groups. The effects of an audience and task difficulty on learning and performance were considered in the experimental design. Two social conditions—learning in the presence of a single spectator or alone—and two conditions of task difficulty on the pursuit rotor—hard and easy—were employed. Each subject was tested on one day, under one condition of task difficulty, and under one social condition. Data were treated with a three-factor multivariate analysis of variance. Dependent variables were three STAIC anxiety scale scores used to evaluate within-task feelings of anxiety and three mean performance scores for each of three blocks of pursuit rotor trials. The results of the analyses indicated that significant main effects due to social situation were not apparent until the last block of trials, when subjects in the spectator condition did better. State anxiety scores for those who performed alone were significantly higher than for those who performed with a spectator present over all blocks of trials.

Although low-anxious subjects' overall mean performance scores were higher than high-anxious subjects' on the hard task, they were not significantly different from each other until the last block of trials. The overall mean performance scores for both groups for the easy task proved significantly higher for the low-anxious group. Though the results partially support the hypothesis that a spectator increases the learner's drive and facilitates performance, the majority of the results favor the theoretical hypotheses that a spectator reduces drive and serves to console or reassure the learner.