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A note on schema and exemplar approaches to motor skill representation in memory
1Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University College of the Fraser Valley, 33844 King Road, RR No. 2, Abbotsford, BC V2S 4N2, Canada.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Motor skill memory may not be centrally abstracted. This research proposes a specific exemplar model, challenging schema theory and suggesting new empirical tests for motor representation.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Motor Control
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The dominant view posits motor skills are stored centrally and abstracted.
- Schmidt's schema theory, based on prototype abstraction, heavily influences this perspective.
- Recent category learning research challenges prototype abstraction with specific exemplar models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the gap in empirical knowledge regarding motor skill representation.
- To explore the applicability of category learning representation models to motor behavior.
- To propose and outline a hypothetical specific exemplar model for motor skill memory.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and theoretical discussion.
- Comparison of schema theory with specific exemplar models.
- Hypothetical model development for motor skill representation.
Main Results:
- Identifies a gap in empirical support for centralized, abstracted motor skill memory.
- Highlights the potential of specific exemplar models in motor behavior.
- Suggests empirical comparisons between schema and exemplar models.
Conclusions:
- The current understanding of motor skill memory may be incomplete.
- Specific exemplar models offer a viable alternative or complement to schema theory.
- Further empirical research is needed to differentiate between motor representation models.