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Relation of repetition effect and response programming in a speeded choice task
1Motor Control and Learning Laboratory, Division of Living and Health Sciences, Joetsu University of Education, Japan. ito@juen.ac.jp
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|September 14, 1999
Summary
The repetition effect, a faster reaction time when repeating a task, speeds up response programming. This occurs when consecutive movements have similar force characteristics, not during initial response selection.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Motor Control
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The repetition effect describes faster responses when a task is repeated.
- Its precise origin within the motor system remains debated, with possibilities including response selection or programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the repetition effect arises during the response programming stage.
- To differentiate between response programming and other stages like selection or perception.
Main Methods:
- 12 participants performed a choice reaction-time task involving sequential force responses.
- The study manipulated whether consecutive force responses were identical or different.
- Response initiation time for the second response was measured.
Main Results:
- Choice reaction time to initiate the second response was significantly faster under same-force conditions compared to different-force or control conditions.
- This indicates a specific benefit when motor output characteristics are repeated.
Conclusions:
- The repetition effect originates from a speed-up in response programming.
- Findings suggest that repeating motor commands bypasses or accelerates the programming stage, rather than affecting earlier perceptual or selection processes.