The motion variable in procedural learning

Conclusions Differences in performance of a procedural task, attributable to motion, are identified with the putting together of a new motor response. No reliable difference was shown between motion and still sequences in the overall procedural sequence of steps. The use of animation arrows to direct attention and to show the direction of motion did not help learning. Motion does not appear to function as a cue focusing attention upon the direction of movement or critical elements of the display. The results of the present studies support the recommendations of Allen and Weintraub (1968). They suggest that the use of motion in a display is definitely indicated when the particular content to be learned consists of the movement itself and its characteristics, or where the content is enhanced and differentiated by the cues provided in the action of the movement. Until the bases for differential individual needs for motion can be determined, displays that provide motion are best used wherever procedural tasks requiring motions new to the student are taught. The research reported in this paper was performed at HumRRO Division No. 2, Fort Knox, Kentucky, under Department of the Army Contract with HumRRO. The contents of this paper do not necessarily reflect official opinions or policies of the Department of the Army.