lec 18 Flashcards
define observational learning
observational learning: a type of learning where the participant watches a demonstration of a skill and adapts their movement as a result
what information can be conveyed with a demonstration?
- cognitive-spatial elements of the task
- perceptual motor elements of the task
Describe cognitive spatial elements of a demonstrated task
- we learn how the movement should look, what the goal is and reference of correctness. basically we learn what it should look, sound or feel like
describe the perceptual motor elements of a demonstrated task
it’s the implicit motor plan - they are learned, aka non verbalizable, via action simulation. we map it onto ourselves to get a general idea of the action and what we need to do
describe the evidence for participants engaging in simulation while observing a task
mirror neuron system or action observation network
describe the mirror neuron system as evidence for engagement in simulation of tasks
the same neurons that fire when you plan and perform an action ALSO fire when you watch someone else perform it.
describe how the action observation network support the idea that we engage in the simulation of tasks
the same neurons that fire when you plan and perform an action ALSO fire when you watch someone else perform it.
What is the mirror neuron system involved in?
both in watching a skill, and in actively practicing a new skill while watching someone.
is it better to watch an expert or novice model when observing a task
why might watching an expert be good for observing a task
- they are more skilled
- more attention is focused on the model
- more accurate reference of correctness
why might watching a novice be good when observing a task
- assists with problem solving and alerts to error
- more consistent with stage of learner
- more variability in the demonstration
define motor imagery
motor imagery: the processing of perceptual info, derived from cognitive simulation where we lack sensory input
what are the imagery modalities
idk if perception is included in this, but if so:
imagery
- visual, auditory, olfactory, kinesthetic/motor
perception
- seeing, hearing, smell, kinesthesis
what is covert
motor imagery and action observation
what is overt
movement processes
how are covert and overt similar?
they both share neurophysiology in the brain for both of these processes. they use the same motor program!
define mental chronometry method
mental chronometry method: if action and imagery are functionally equivalent, they should have similar timing
describe the takeaway from the mental chronometry method
participants are tasked to trace a shape with their finger, record MT of both dominant and non dominant hand. another group imagines the task. they found that both groups have similar MT increases when switching from dominant and non dominant hand, supporting the idea that you have access to motor capabilities through simulation
what is aphantasia
aphantasia: a complete absence of the mind’s eye
describe the characteristics of aphantasia
- can be acquired or at birth
- absence of ability to use visual imagery
- there may also be some inabilities to generate kinaesthetic and auditory imagery
