Lec 2: Motor Learning Variables Flashcards
What are mirror neurons
Fire when an animal observes the same action performed by another
What part of the brain activates during observation
- inferior frontal gyrus
- broca’s area (important for speech)
Cognitive mediation theory of observation
- observation is translated into memory so it can be organized and rehearsed later
- this serves as a guide for error detection
Verbal cues should be
- concise
- focused on critical part of the skill
- self verbal cues have been shown to aid in performance
instruction should directs one’s attention to (2)
- External Focus: effects of movement on the environment (task goal)
- Internal Focus: movements themselves, conscious control of movement
How does external focus enhance learning
it reduces the focus on the self and directs attention to the intended movement effect (task goal)
Explain the constrained action hypothesis
using internal focus interferes with the automatic control process. however external focus promotes the usage of automatic control processes
Task - intrinsic feedback can be
visual
auditory
proprioceptive
tactile
What are the two types of feedback
task-intrinsic feedback
augmented feedback
what is augmented feedback
it provides performance information that otherwise would not be available to the person
ex: EMG to teach a pt to activate a muscle
What are the 2 types of augmented feedback
- knowledge of results
- knowledge of performance
What is knowledge of results
consists of externally presented information about the outcome of performing a skill or about achieving the goal of performance.
what is knowledge of performance
information about the movement characteristics that led to the performance
ex: showing a video of a movement to a pt and discussing what was done incorrectly
Which phase is an example of knowledge of performance and which is an example of knowledge of results
“you walked 10ft more than you did yesterday” and “You should bend your knees more as you walk”
- KR
2. KP
The 2 roles of augmented feedback in skill acquisition
- identify the right away if the task was done correctly
2. Motivate the learner to continue striving towards a goal
Does concurrent feedback help with movement?
Not really, it reduces spontaneous error, which is detrimental to motor learning.
(people need to learn from mistakes)
Which type of feedback is more beneficial and what type of feedback to most people inherently use (KR vs KP)
KR more beneficial
Most people inherently use KP
KR will be beneficial for skill learning for at least 4 reasons
- confirm their own assessments
- unable to tell on their own
- Motivate themselves to continue to practice
- use to encourage trial and error
KP can be especially beneficial when?
- Skill must be performed according to specific characteristics
- skill needs complex coordination and must be corrected
- the goal of the action is kinematic, kinetic, or specific muscle activity
- KR is redundant with task intrinsic feedback
Error vs Correct feedback, what does the research say about which one in more effective
Error detection
-it causes the person to change and acquire skill
Descriptive vs prescriptive KP
Descriptive KP
-describes the error the performer has mad
Prescriptive KP
- describes the error and tells person what they need to do to fix it.
- this is helpful for beginners
Variable vs Constant Practice
-greater amounts of variable practice lead to better learning
What is meant by error dosing
It is okay to fail a little this helps the person to adapt in different situations and environments.
What is massed practice
a practice schedule in which the amount of rest between practice sessions or trials is very short
What is distributed practice
a practice schedule in which the amount of rest between practice sessions or trials is relatively long
Benefits of distributed practice
- decreases fatigue
- less boring
- allows for memory consolidation
Practice specificity for performance context characteristics
- when performance is similar to practice it can lead to better results
- cues in the environment can trigger a motor/memory plan
- this is the idea of a home court advantage
Practice specificity for sensory/perceptual characteristics
- vision and proprioception play a key role in learning
- early on vision is vital then over time proprioception becomes more important
Practice specificity for cognitive processing characteristics
cognitive demands during practice condition must mimic transfer test
ex: rapid decision making, dual tasks, stress
Is it better to practice the whole activity or break it into parts?
part task training is likely not beneficial for continuous movement
What are the 3 movement types
- Discrete movements
- Serial movements
- Continuous movements
What are discrete movements
have beginning and end
ex: throwing, striking a match
what are serial movements
discrete actions strung together
ex: playing piano, gymnastic routine
what are continuous movements
no recognizable beginning and end
ex: walking, visual tracking
