The instructional variable and kinesthetic cue recall

The effect of learning instructions on immediate recall of kinesthetic distance-and location-cue information was examined using a short-term motor retention paradigm. Three types of pre-movement learning instructions (distance, location, and distance plus location) were combined factorially with two types of post-movement recall instructions (distance or location). Learning instructions indicated the cue or cues to be learned, while recall instructions indicated the cue to be recalled. Equivalent immediate recall of distance and location was found when learning instructions contained the cue recalled. In addition, superior immediate recall was observed for cues indicated during learning instructions. The results were interpreted as supporting the involvement of attentional processes in the learning of kinesthetic information associated with movement execution.