Differences in chunking behavior between young and older adults diminish with extended practice
J S Barnhoorn1, E H F Van Asseldonk2, W B Verwey3,4
1Cognitive Psychology and Ergonomics, MIRA, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
Psychological Research
|December 23, 2017
Summary
Older adults can develop motor chunking strategies with extended practice, overcoming initial age-related delays. Biomechanical factors may influence sequence learning in older individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Aging Research
Background:
- Previous studies indicate reduced motor chunking in older adults.
- It is unclear if older adults cannot chunk or if they learn slower.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of extensive practice on motor chunking development in healthy older adults.
- Compare chunking behavior in young and older adults after prolonged training.
Main Methods:
- Healthy older adults (74-85 years) and young adults practiced 3- and 6-element sequences 432 times.
- Used a discrete sequence production task to measure initiation and execution times.
- Analyzed associations between slow responses and finger biomechanics in older adults.
Main Results:
- Age-related differences in motor chunking diminished with extended practice.
- In older adults, slow responses correlated with slower finger performance in random sequences.
- This suggests biomechanical factors influence sequence learning in aging.
Conclusions:
- Extended practice can improve motor chunking abilities in older adults.
- Biomechanical factors are crucial for understanding sequence learning and aging.
- Future theories on aging and sequence learning should incorporate biomechanical considerations.
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