Schema theory (1975): retrospectives and prospectives

A brief commentary is provided on the theoretical assumptions, scholarly impact and continuing influence of the schema theory of motor learning (Schmidt, 1975). The traditional contrasts of schema theory to the coordinative structure or dynamical systems framework are reemphasized, and limitations of the variability of practice experiments noted. A central problem for theories of motor learning is change over time, the basis on which learning is typically defined. Most theories including schema have, however, undervalued the importance of the time-dependent nature of change in deference to the almost exclusive study of the amount of some averaged change in behavioral outcome. The persistent and transitory change(s) in movement and outcome that are observed in action are reflections of multiple time scales of change in a dynamical system.     

Motor schema theory after 27 years: reflections and implications for a new theory

The schema theory for discrete motor skill learning (Schmidt, 1975), originally published in 1975, has generated considerable interest and received strong challenges over its lifetime. In this paper, I focus on the findings generated since 1975 that bear on the theory and highlight those that produce difficulties for it and will be motivators for differing theoretical viewpoints in the future. At the same time, I examine other lines of evidence that seem to bolster the original lines of thinking. Finally, I provide some suggestions for a much needed new generation of motor learning theory, pointing out particular features from the schema theory that could be included and suggesting gaps and omissions that will need additional data and theorizing in future attempts.     

Analysis of Stroke Organization in the Backstroke as a Function of Skill

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of three different amounts of practice in combination with two types of variable practice conditions upon schema development. Seventy-two subjects were administered either 6, 18, or 36 trials while learning to move to either one- or three-criteria goals on the linear positioning task. Subjects then had 18 no-KR (knowledge of results) trials to produce a novel response. The statistical analysis revealed a significant three-way interaction for absolute error while no significant main or interaction effects existed for constant or variable error. Analysis of the simple main effects showed that the various amounts of practice produced similar performances for the subjects learning to move to only one criterion goal. For the subjects learning to move to three criteria goals during initial practice, the amount of practice provided was a significant factor in the accuracy and strength of the motor schema. Partial support is presented for schema theory.     

动作技能系统复杂性特征及耗散结构理论视角下研究路径探析

采用文献资料、逻辑分析等研究方法,根据科学家PaulColliers的关于复杂性系统的较具代表性的理论,结合动作技能特征,对动作技能系统的复杂性表现进行归纳。以耗散结构理论为方法论指导,分别从耗散结构形成的条件即系统的开放性、远离平衡态、非线性相互作用和涨落机制四个方面对动作技能系统进行研究,从而为实践工作中动作技能学习与控制策略的选取提供理论依据和方法指导。     

体育运动领域中行为程序研究综述

在回顾国外研究的基础上,对体育运动领域中行为程序研究进行全面的阐述.行为程序包括动作行为和认知或心理两个方面的内容;行为程序作用理论机制包括图式理论、运动技能学习阶段理论、定势假说和心理演练;主要研究领域包括运动技能学习和运动竞赛领域;影响行为程序效果的变量包括技能水平、性别和行为程序的时间节律.从实践的角度,认为体育教师和教练员应当重视行为程序,应用行为程序来提高学生的技能水平和运动员的运动成绩;从研究的角度,认为国内研究者应加大这一领域的研究.     

A Prelongitudinal Test of Motor Stage Theory

Abstract

A test of motor stage theory was conducted to screen cross-sectionally for the existence of “horizontal structure” among motor sequences within four movement components of overarm throwing and overarm striking for force. A total of 58 male subjects were filmed performing five trials of each task. Comparisons were made between movement component sequence levels as assessed by Roberton's Component Category Checklist for the Overarm Throw and Langendorfer's Component Category Checklist for Overarm Striking. Results indicated that longitudinal study of sequences within the components of trunk, humerus, forearm-racquet actions was warranted and that intertask comparisons of motor sequences were best represented by combinations of stage models proposed by Wohlwill (1973). The observed movement commonalities in the present data were consistent with constructs in both Piagetian developmental stage theory and Schmidt's schema theory in motor control and learning.     

组块练习和随机练习对运动技能学习的影响:效果、机制与启示

以固定训练程序进行练习的组块练习（低情境干预）和以随机训练程序进行练习的随机练习（高情境干预）对运动技能学习有重要的影响。运用元分析方法探讨两种练习方式对不同结局指标、不同学习阶段和不同参与肌肉群运动技能学习效果的影响、机制和启示,旨在丰富运动技能学习理论,为提高组块练习和随机练习在体育教学训练实践运用的有效性提供参考依据。研究表明：（1）组块练习和随机练习对不同结局指标、不同练习阶段和不同参与肌肉群的运动技能学习效果不同;（2）从不同结局指标来看,组块练习对动作时间和测量距离类指标的运动技能学习更有效,而随机练习对完成得分和动作速度类效果更佳。（3）从不同学习阶段看,在学习掌握阶段组块练习效果好;在迁移阶段随机练习效果好;而在保持阶段,两种练习方式对不同结局指标运动技能效果各有优势。（4）从不同参与肌肉群的技能看,随机练习对粗大运动技能和精细运动技能学习效果均好于组块练习。     

组块练习和随机练习对运动技能学习的影响:效果、机制与启示

以固定训练程序进行练习的组块练习（低情境干预）和以随机训练程序进行练习的随机练习（高情境干预）对运动技能学习有重要的影响。运用元分析方法探讨两种练习方式对不同结局指标、不同学习阶段和不同参与肌肉群运动技能学习效果的影响、机制和启示,旨在丰富运动技能学习理论,为提高组块练习和随机练习在体育教学训练实践运用的有效性提供参考依据。研究表明：（1）组块练习和随机练习对不同结局指标、不同练习阶段和不同参与肌肉群的运动技能学习效果不同;（2）从不同结局指标来看,组块练习对动作时间和测量距离类指标的运动技能学习更有效,而随机练习对完成得分和动作速度类效果更佳。（3）从不同学习阶段看,在学习掌握阶段组块练习效果好;在迁移阶段随机练习效果好;而在保持阶段,两种练习方式对不同结局指标运动技能效果各有优势。（4）从不同参与肌肉群的技能看,随机练习对粗大运动技能和精细运动技能学习效果均好于组块练习。     

Representative learning design and functionality of research and practice in sport

Egon Brunswik proposed the concept of "representative design" for psychological experimentation, which has historically been overlooked or confused with another of Brunswik's terms, ecological validity. In this article, we reiterate the distinction between these two important concepts and highlight the relevance of the term representative design for sports psychology, practice, and experimental design. We draw links with ideas on learning design in the constraints-led approach to motor learning and nonlinear pedagogy. We propose the adoption of a new term, representative learning design, to help sport scientists, experimental psychologists, and pedagogues recognize the potential application of Brunswik's original concepts, and to ensure functionality and action fidelity in training and learning environments.     

培养学生运动技能学习策略的实验报告

运用学习策略理论 ,并结合运动技能学习的特点 ,在田径技术教学中对运动系 2 0 0 1级学生进行了教学实验 ,初步得出以下结论 :在学习运动技能过程中施加学习策略训练有助于学生掌握运动技术 ;在培养学生运用学习策略的能力方面 ,语言法、调控法、认知体验三项指标得到明显改善 ,学习策略能力的培养是一个长期的过程。     

“Three Specially Selected Athletes” and a Recapitulation of the Pennsylvania Walking Purchase of 1737

Abstract

The generality of the variability in practice prediction, arising from Schmidt's schema theory (1975) of motor learning was tested on young children. More specifically, the structure of the variability session and its subsequent influence on transfer performance to a novel variation of the task was examined. Children tossed a weighted bean bag to a fixed target location. Three groups experienced variability in practice with four bean bags of varying weights (3, 4, 5, and 6 oz.); however, the trial-by-trial presentation of each weight was different for each group. One group received a random presentation of each weight from trial to trial while another experienced random presentations of a weight for blocks of three trials. The third variability group received blocked practice with six trials per block for each weight. All variability groups experienced the same amount of practice at each weight. A constant practice group experienced only a single weight. Following 24 practice trials, all subjects transferred outside the range of previous experience, receiving three trials with one of two possible test weights (2 oz. or 7 oz.). The results indicated that the variability group practicing with blocks of three trials at each variation led to superior performance at transfer to novel variations of the task. Overall, the experiment suggested that transfer performance for children is affected by the appropriate structure of variable practice which formulates the schemata for movement production.     

心理训练效果理论解释

介绍了有关解释心理训练能够提高运动成绩的四种理论，以利于广大研究者更加自觉地在一定的理论指导下，正确地实施心理训练，提高心理训练的效果。四种理论是：心理神经肌肉理论，符号学习理论，心理生理信息加工理论，三重编码理论     

The impact of self-as-a-model interventions on children's self-regulation of learning and swimming performance

We compared two self-as-a-model interventions: self-modelling (viewing oneself perform an adaptive behaviour) and self-observation (viewing oneself perform at current skill level). Operating within Zimmerman's (1989, 2000) theory of self-regulated learning, we examined the effect of the modelling interventions on three self-regulatory processes (self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and self-satisfaction), as well as physical performance. Thirty-three children were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. The two self-as-a model groups received the modelling intervention just before physical practice, whereas the control group received physical practice only. Analyses of the retention scores revealed significant differences for all dependent measures. Post hoc testing showed consistently that the self-modelling group performed better than the self-observation and control groups, and that the two latter groups performing similarly. These results provide support for the implementation of self-modelling interventions with children when teaching motor skills.     

普通高校体育理论教学方法与考试方法的实验研究

长期以来,加强大学体育理论教学的呼声一直很高,付诸实践和探索却很少,体育理论教学效果很不理想,为了真正在健康第一的指导思想下实现：“求知创新”和“终身体育”的思想,我们对高校体育理论教学方法和考试方法进行实验研究,希望从这里探索出一条面向未来高校体育理论教学改革的路子。     

The effect of self-regulated and experimenter-imposed practice schedules on motor learning for tasks of varying difficulty

Research suggests that allowing individuals to control their own practice schedule has a positive effect on motor learning. In this experiment we examined the effect of task difficulty and self-regulated practice strategies on motor learning. The task was to move a mouse-operated cursor through pattern arrays that differed in two levels of difficulty. Participants learned either four easy or hard patterns after assignment to one of four groups that ordered practice in blocked, random, self-regulated, and yoked-to-self-regulated schedules. Although self-regulation provided no special benefit in acquisition, these groups showed the most improved performance in retention, irrespective of task difficulty. Although individual switch strategies for members of the self-regulated groups were quite variable, the impact of self-regulation on motor learning remained similar. These findings add to the growing body of literature suggesting that self-regulated practice is an important variable for motor learning.     

The Effect of Self-Regulated and Experimenter-Imposed Practice Schedules on Motor Learning for Tasks of Varying Difficulty

Research suggests that allowing individuals to control their own practice schedule has a positive effect on motor learning. In this experiment we examined the effect of task difficulty and self-regulated practice strategies on motor learning. The task was to move a mouse-operated cursor through pattern arrays that differed in two levels of difficulty. Participants learned either four easy or hard patterns after assignment to one of four groups that ordered practice in blocked, random, self-regulated, and yoked-to-self-regulated schedules. Although self-regulation provided no special benefit in acquisition, these groups showed the most improved performance in retention, irrespective of task difficulty. Although individual switch strategies for members of the self-regulated groups were quite variable, the impact of self-regulation on motor learning remained similar. These findings add to the growing body of literature suggesting that self-regulated practice is an important variable for motor learning.     

Manipulating visual informational constraints during practice enhances the acquisition of catching skill in children.

Previous motor learning studies examining the effects of practicing to catch one-handed under varying informational constraints on subsequent skill acquisition are equivocal, perhaps due to the use of relatively inexperienced adult participants. Ecological theory predicts that directing the learner's search for information in the perceptual-motor workspace can enhance skill acquisition. This study manipulated visual informational constraints on novice children (ages 9-10 years) learning to catch one-handed. A crossover transfer design was implemented in which one group acted as controls while two other groups practiced either without visual restrictions before transferring to full vision, or vice versa. The data indicated that learners forced to seek additional information sources under restricted viewing conditions demonstrated a greater positive, accumulative residual effect on acquiring a catching skill. The findings contradict current work on the specificity of practice hypothesis and suggest that varying visual informational constraints to encourage exploratory practice may represent a significant pedagogical approach to motor learning in sport.     

“元动作”及其元认知——论动作的学习过程及其同化模式

依据学习的元认知理论 ,论述了“元动作”概念提出的意义及其应用价值 ,用元动作概念区分了动作的结构与层次。并借鉴认知结构同化理论 ,深入地分析了动作技能学习过程中存在的不同模式。笔者认为 ,提高元动作学习水平、改善动作协调能力、提高动作的自我监控能力和选择适合的教学与学习策略是提高动作学习效率的有效途径。     

Task complexity and sources of task-related information during the observational learning process

Although research has examined the influence of various sources of task information for skill acquisition during observational learning, the results have been ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to examine sources of information in relation to the type of task. One hundred and twenty participants were randomly assigned to one of two sets of six treatment strategies: (1) all model demonstrations; (2) model demonstrations with physical practice with knowledge of performance; (3) model demonstrations with physical practice without knowledge of performance; (4) physical practice without knowledge of performance; (5) physical practice with knowledge of performance; or (6) verbal instructions only. One set learned a simple version of the task while the other set learned a more complex version. Cognitive representation and performance accuracy (spatial and temporal) were assessed. Results indicate that task type does influence the source of information to facilitate skill acquisition. The simple task benefited from model demonstrations, physical practice with knowledge of performance, or a combination of model demonstrations and practice both with and without knowledge of performance, while the complex version benefited more from a combination of model demonstrations and knowledge of performance practice. The results of this study provide an insight into the ambiguity that exists within the observational learning and motor learning literature regarding the effectiveness of information sources for motor skill acquisition.     

Sensory integration in the learning of aiming toward "self-defined" targets

This study aimed at supporting the specificity of learning hypothesis, when aiming was based on internal cues, as directing the hand toward a "self-defined" target location. Participants practiced modest (20 trials) or intensive (720 trials) training with visual and proprioceptive information or proprioceptive information only. Pretests and posttests were performed in sensory conditions that did or did not match the training condition. Results showed that dynamic visual cues played a dominant role at the beginning of the task, and an intensive practice resulted in increased accuracy of kinesthetic information and efferent mechanisms of motor responses. These results have implications with regard to motor learning conceptions and training as a function of the task constraints.