L18A: Action Observation Flashcards
What is Observational learning?
Observer watches a demonstration and adapts their own movement as a result of the interaction
What information could have been conveyed
with a demonstration?
2
- Cognitive-Spatial elements of the task
- Perceptual-Motor elements of the task
What are Cognitive-Spatial
elements of the task?
- Goal / reference-of-correctness – knowledge of what the task should look, sound, and/or feel like
- Explicit strategies – observers will copy the strategy used by the model
Cognitive spatial refers to the mental processes involved in understanding, perceiving, and navigating space. It includes the ability to mentally manipulate objects, understand the relationships between objects in space, and navigate through an environment. This cognitive function is essential for tasks such as finding one’s way around, understanding maps, visualizing objects from different angles, and orienting oneself in space. Cognitive spatial abilities involve the use of mental imagery, spatial memory, and spatial reasoning skills.
What are Perceptual-Motor
elements of the task?
-
Implicit (non-verbalizable) motor plans,
potentially via action simulation
Perceptual-motor elements refer to the integration of sensory information (perception) and physical actions (motor skills) that work together to execute tasks. These elements involve the brain’s ability to process sensory inputs, such as sight, sound, or touch, and translate them into coordinated motor actions. They are essential for activities requiring fine motor skills, coordination, balance, and the ability to respond to environmental cues. Examples include activities like catching a ball, driving a car, or playing an instrument.
Implicit motor plans through action simulation: Observed actions are mapped onto viewer’s own motor representation of the action
What system is Evidence that we engage in
‘simulation’ when watching others?
“Mirror Neuron System” or
“Action observation network”
What is the Mirror Neuron System?
The same neurons that fire when you plan & perform an action, also fire when watching someone else perform the action.
“Skilled” performers show evidence of action
simulation when observing practiced motor skills
The mirror neuron system is also involved during
observational practice of new skills
Is it better to watch an expert (correct) or novice (learning) model?
What are the reasons to watch an expert?
Predict that more skilled, more similar and higher
status model would improve learning
- More attention should be focused on the model
- More accurate “reference-of correctness”
Is it better to watch an expert (correct) or novice (learning) model?
What are the reasons to watch a novice?
Others have hypothesized that a learning model
(that gets better) would be best
- Assists problem solving of skill & alerts to errors
- More consistent with stage of learner
- More variability in the demonstration
What is motor imagery?
A multimodal cognitive simulation process that allows us to represent perceptual information in our minds in the absence of sensory input
What are Imagery modalities?
Similar to action observation…
What evidence is there that we engage in “motor simulation” during imagery?
Shared neurophysiology in the brain for covert (motor imagery & action observation) & overt (movement) processes
Imagined actions have been thought of as ‘functionally equivalent’ to the overt action (i.e., use same motor program)
What is Mental chronometry method?
if action & imagery are “functionally equivalent”,
they should have similar timing
What is Aphantasia?
Aphantasia is a complete absence of the “mind’s eye”
1) Can be acquired or congenital
2) Absence of ability to do visual imagery
(there may also be some inabilities to generate kinesthetic & auditory imagery)
These last 2 slides are for interest only and not examinable material
