Lec 2: Motor Learning Variables

Question 1

What are mirror neurons

Answer 1

Fire when an animal observes the same action performed by another

Question 2

What part of the brain activates during observation

Answer 2

• inferior frontal gyrus

- broca’s area (important for speech)

Question 3

Cognitive mediation theory of observation

Answer 3

• observation is translated into memory so it can be organized and rehearsed later
• this serves as a guide for error detection

Question 4

Verbal cues should be

Answer 4

• concise
• focused on critical part of the skill
• self verbal cues have been shown to aid in performance

Question 5

instruction should directs one’s attention to (2)

Answer 5

• External Focus: effects of movement on the environment (task goal)
• Internal Focus: movements themselves, conscious control of movement

Question 6

How does external focus enhance learning

Answer 6

it reduces the focus on the self and directs attention to the intended movement effect (task goal)

Question 7

Explain the constrained action hypothesis

Answer 7

using internal focus interferes with the automatic control process. however external focus promotes the usage of automatic control processes

Question 8

Task - intrinsic feedback can be

Answer 8

visual
auditory
proprioceptive
tactile

Question 9

What are the two types of feedback

Answer 9

task-intrinsic feedback

augmented feedback

Question 10

what is augmented feedback

Answer 10

it provides performance information that otherwise would not be available to the person

ex: EMG to teach a pt to activate a muscle

Question 11

What are the 2 types of augmented feedback

Answer 11

• knowledge of results

- knowledge of performance

Question 12

What is knowledge of results

Answer 12

consists of externally presented information about the outcome of performing a skill or about achieving the goal of performance.

Question 13

what is knowledge of performance

Answer 13

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

Question 14

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”

Answer 14

1. KR

2. KP

Question 15

The 2 roles of augmented feedback in skill acquisition

Answer 15

1. identify the right away if the task was done correctly

2. Motivate the learner to continue striving towards a goal

Question 16

Does concurrent feedback help with movement?

Answer 16

Not really, it reduces spontaneous error, which is detrimental to motor learning.

(people need to learn from mistakes)

Question 17

Which type of feedback is more beneficial and what type of feedback to most people inherently use (KR vs KP)

Answer 17

KR more beneficial

Most people inherently use KP

Question 18

KR will be beneficial for skill learning for at least 4 reasons

Answer 18

1. confirm their own assessments
2. unable to tell on their own
3. Motivate themselves to continue to practice
4. use to encourage trial and error

Question 19

KP can be especially beneficial when?

Answer 19

1. Skill must be performed according to specific characteristics
2. skill needs complex coordination and must be corrected
3. the goal of the action is kinematic, kinetic, or specific muscle activity
4. KR is redundant with task intrinsic feedback

Question 20

Error vs Correct feedback, what does the research say about which one in more effective

Answer 20

Error detection

-it causes the person to change and acquire skill

Question 21

Descriptive vs prescriptive KP

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Variable vs Constant Practice

Answer 22

-greater amounts of variable practice lead to better learning

Question 23

What is meant by error dosing

Answer 23

It is okay to fail a little this helps the person to adapt in different situations and environments.

Question 24

What is massed practice

Answer 24

a practice schedule in which the amount of rest between practice sessions or trials is very short

Question 25

What is distributed practice

Answer 25

a practice schedule in which the amount of rest between practice sessions or trials is relatively long

Question 26

Benefits of distributed practice

Answer 26

• decreases fatigue
• less boring
• allows for memory consolidation

Question 27

Practice specificity for performance context characteristics

Answer 27

• 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

Question 28

Practice specificity for sensory/perceptual characteristics

Answer 28

• vision and proprioception play a key role in learning

- early on vision is vital then over time proprioception becomes more important

Question 29

Practice specificity for cognitive processing characteristics

Answer 29

cognitive demands during practice condition must mimic transfer test

ex: rapid decision making, dual tasks, stress

Question 30

Is it better to practice the whole activity or break it into parts?

Answer 30

part task training is likely not beneficial for continuous movement

Question 31

What are the 3 movement types

Answer 31

• Discrete movements
• Serial movements
• Continuous movements

Question 32

What are discrete movements

Answer 32

have beginning and end

ex: throwing, striking a match

Question 33

what are serial movements

Answer 33

discrete actions strung together

ex: playing piano, gymnastic routine

Question 34

what are continuous movements

Answer 34

no recognizable beginning and end

ex: walking, visual tracking