The effects of expectancy and previous task cues on motor performance

The effects of manipulated outcome expectancies (success/failure) and manipulated previous task cues (similar/dissimilar) on motor performance were investigated. Female collegiate students (n=60) were randomly placed into one of four treatment conditions: (a) success/similar task, (b) success/dissimilar task, (c) failure/similar task, (d) failure/dissimilartask. The manipulated information was provided after performance on a pursuit rotor task; subjects then performed on a second task (stabilometer). Data were analyzed by a 2x2x4 factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on the last factor. Subjects who experienced the high-expectancy treatment performed significantly better than subjects who experienced the low-expectancy treatment as the performance pattern developed over time. Although the findings only partially supported the predictions generated by self-enhancement theory, this theory appeared to have greater explanatory power than consistency theory.