Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

The "Motor" in Implicit Motor Sequence Learning: A Foot-stepping Serial Reaction Time Task
Published on: May 3, 2018
Motor programming within a sequence of responses
1a Department of Psychology , California State University, Hayward.
Abstract:
Choice reaction time prior to a motor response has been shown to depend on the nature of the response to be made. This effect is assumed to represent variations in programming time. However, as the length of a response sequence increases this effect becomes smaller, suggesting that some response programming is postponed until after the response sequence is initiated. The present experiment studied this assumed programming within a sequence of responses. For sequences comprised of two Morse Code responses (e.g. dit-dah) the initial reaction time was independent of the terminal response. However, programming of this terminal response was apparent as a lengthening of the duration of intervals within the response when the terminal response was dah rather than dit. When programming of parts of the sequence is postponed beyond the reaction time interval, the programming occurs later and influences the timing of the sequence of responses.
Related Concept Videos
Hierarchy of Motor Control
Functions of the Nervous System
Electro-mechanical Systems
A key component of the DC motor is the armature, a rotating circuit positioned within a magnetic field. As an electric current passes through the...
Motor Units
Motor units come in different sizes, with smaller units...
Motor Units
Motor Unit Stimulation
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...

