Motor Learning Flashcards
Learning vs. Performance
Performance: -observable behavior -temporary -may not be due to practice -may be influenced by performance variables Learning: -inferred from performance -relatively permanent -due to practice -not influenced by performance variables
Motor learning: defined
a change in the capability of a person to perform a skill; it must be inferred from a relatively permanent improvement in performance as a result of practice or experience
Four characteristics of motor learning
- improvement
- consistency (stability)
- persistance
- adaptability
Performance variable vs. Learning variable
Performance Variable:
- has immediate effects on performance while it is present, but when level is altered, effect is altered
Learning Variable:
-affects performance after the variable has been removed; affects you in the long-term
The Law of Practice
performance curve trend that is negatively accelerated; improvements become systematically smaller as practice continues
Performance plateau
due to performance, NOT learning variables; learning continues over the course of the plateau; could be due to strategy change, fatigue/motivation/attention, or ceiling/floor effects
Retention test
purpose is to assess persistence of motor learning
- have people perform skill after a period of NO practice
- assess difference between people’s performance on day 1 vs. retention task later on
- measures what is retained
Transfer test
purpose is to assess adaptability of motor learning
-person performs a skill that is different from the skill he or she practiced (or performs the practiced skill in a context or situation different from practice context or situation)
-novel context can include: feedback change; physical environment; or personal characteristics
-can also be a novel skill situation
key goal: allows for comparison of different practice conditions
