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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Acquisition of a High-precision Skilled Forelimb Reaching Task in Rats
Published on: June 22, 2015
Learner regulated knowledge of results during the acquisition of multiple timing goals
Jae T Patterson1, Michael Carter
1Department of Physical Education and Kinesiology, Brock University, Canada. jae.patterson@brocku.ca <jae.patterson@brocku.ca>
Abstract:
The purpose of the present experiment was to examine the advantages of a learner controlled KR schedule during the acquisition of three novel sequential timing tasks. The self-regulated group requested KR when necessary during the acquisition period while participants in the yoked condition replicated the KR schedule of a self-regulated counterpart, without the choice. The self-regulated condition demonstrated superior performance in retention and transfer, with a relative KR frequency similar for all three sequences. Similar to Chiviacowsky and Wulf (2002), learners also demonstrated a preference for KR after perceived good trials, independent of defined task difficulty. Thus, the results extend previous research by suggesting a generalized learning strategy by performers acquiring multiple motor task goals.
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