Week 12 (ML) - Problems in Motor Learning

Question 1

What are the types of motor skill transfer?
Differentiate them.

Answer 1

Within task transfer (e.g. practice vs competition)
Transfer of skills or knowledge within the same task, improving performance through repetition or slight variations of the task.

Between task transfer (e.g. skill comnponent crossover between two similar movement tasks)
Transfer of skills, knowledge, or experience from one task to another, typically related task, enhancing performance in a new but similar context

Question 2

What is positive VS negative transfer?

Answer 2

Positive
One skill facilitiates the performance in another in a new context

Negative
Previous training interferes with performance in new task
e.g. A golfer who has learned to use a specific grip and swing technique may find that it negatively affects their performance when playing tennis, as the grip and swing mechanics are quite different between the two sports

Question 3

What are likely reasons for negative transfer occuring?

Answer 3

1. Memory representation
2. Cognitive confusion - conflicting information
3. Intrinsic dynamics - Retroactive negative transfer

Question 4

How should transfer of training be assessed and corrected?

Answer 4

Assessment: Evaluate how skills or knowledge learned in one task apply to another task. Observe performance in various contexts, measure effectiveness, and identify if skills are transferred positively or negatively.

Correction: Adjust training methods by modifying the task conditions, providing feedback, or practicing in varied scenarios to reduce negative transfer and enhance positive transfer. Emphasize adaptability and reframe tasks to encourage skill generalization

Question 5

What is overlearning?

Answer 5

The continuation of practice beyond the amount needed to achieve a certain performance criterion

Can increase the length of time the memory used to produce those skills is stored

Question 6

What is lost movement syndrome?

Answer 6

A condition where a previously learned motor skill or movement pattern is forgotten or becomes difficult to perform due to lack of practice, injury, or changes in the body’s physical or neural state. It results in the loss of automaticity or fluidity in the movement.