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The temporal dynamics of strategy execution in cognitive skill learning.
Daniel Bajic1, Timothy C Rickard
1Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Journal of Experimental Psychology. Learning, Memory, and Cognition
|February 13, 2009
Summary
Cognitive skill learning involves a shift from algorithmic to memory-based performance. This study reveals that strategy choice, not a race, governs this transition, with retrieval competing against the initial algorithm step.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Neuroscience of learning
- Human performance
Background:
- Cognitive skill acquisition involves a transition from rule-based (algorithmic) to memory-based (retrieval) performance.
- The temporal dynamics of strategy execution during this transition are debated, with models proposing either a parallel race or a sequential choice mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal dynamics of strategy execution during cognitive skill learning.
- To differentiate between a race model and a strategy choice model for the transition from algorithmic to memory-based performance.
- To provide new insights into the competition between retrieval and algorithmic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel approach to measure the latency of individual algorithm steps.
- Analyzed trial-by-trial performance to detect slowing of algorithm steps before retrieval.
- Assessed partial algorithm completion during retrieval trials.
Main Results:
- Observed slowing of algorithm steps preceding the first retrieval trial, inconsistent with a pure race model.
- Found evidence supporting partial algorithm completion on retrieval trials.
- Results strongly support a strategy choice mechanism where retrieval competes with the initial algorithm step.
Conclusions:
- The transition from algorithmic to memory-based performance is best explained by a strategy choice mechanism.
- Retrieval and the first step of the algorithm engage in a competitive process.
- This finding advances our understanding of cognitive skill acquisition and strategy selection.
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