Variability of practice and transfer of training

Area of Science:

• Motor Learning
• Skill Acquisition
• Schema Theory

Background:

• Schmidt's schema theory posits that motor learning involves developing generalized motor programs.
• Initial practice variability is hypothesized to influence the robustness and generalizability of these motor programs.
• Understanding how practice variability affects transfer is crucial for optimizing motor skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of initial practice variability on subsequent motor task transfer.
• To test specific predictions derived from Schmidt's schema theory regarding practice conditions.
• To differentiate the effects of recall and recognition schemata through controlled movement timing tasks.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments utilized rapid linear timing movements to operationalize recall and recognition schemata.
• Experiment 1 involved training with two distinct movement times, followed by a transfer task.
• Experiment 2 expanded training to multiple movement times, assessing transfer and error reduction without knowledge of results.

Main Results:

• Experiment 1 demonstrated that appropriately ordered variable practice facilitated transfer when the criterion task was outside the initial training range.
• Experiment 2 did not yield significant transfer effects with increased training variability.
• Variable practice groups in Experiment 2 showed reduced movement error during initial transfer trials without knowledge of results.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide initial support for Schmidt's schema theory of motor learning.
• The order and range of practice variability appear critical for successful motor skill transfer.
• Variable practice may enhance performance in early transfer trials, even without explicit feedback.