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Training for transfer of a movement timing skill
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Segmental timing training develops a higher-order timing skill, enhancing flexibility for various transfer tasks. This skill development, rather than training difficulty, explains superior performance in motor learning and timing acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Motor control
- Motor learning
- Human movement science
Background:
- Previous research suggested segmental (phasing) timing training yields superior transfer compared to nonsegmental (duration) training.
- Two hypotheses explained this: the higher-order variable hypothesis (flexible timing skill) and the contextual interference hypothesis (training difficulty).
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between the higher-order variable and contextual interference hypotheses.
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying superior transfer in segmental timing training.
Main Methods:
- Compared transfer performance after phasing or duration timing training under low contextual interference conditions.
- Analyzed acquisition and transfer phases separately to evaluate training effects.
Main Results:
- Acquisition data supported the contextual interference hypothesis.
- Transfer data strongly favored the higher-order variable hypothesis, indicating skill flexibility.
Conclusions:
- The development of a higher-order timing skill, characterized by flexibility, is the primary driver of superior transfer.
- This timing skill is crucial for adapting to diverse motor tasks and transfer conditions.