Variations in observation frequency in a self-controlled learning environment do not modulate learning of a pirouette...

Little is known about the optimal frequency to observe a skilled model, yet this is potentially an important learning variable, and thus was examined in the context of self-controlled learning conditions. Participants chose the schedule in which they interspersed both physical and observational trials of a dance skill. The participants' choice, however, was governed by an imposed observation frequency (OF) of either 25%, 50%, or 75%. Participants were in one of these OF groups, in addition to another group in which no constraint was put on OF. This last group was predicted to choose an OF of 10%, however, it was determined that they chose a 50% schedule. Consequently, a 10% OF group was added to the experimental protocol. All participants completed a pre-test, followed by an acquisition phase, and then a 24-hr post-test. Physical performance (F(1, 55) = 143.77, p< .001) and cognitive representation (F(1, 55) = 77.68, p< .001) scores both revealed a significant main effect of Test; scores at post-test were higher than those at pre-test. Thus, learning was demonstrated for both measures. No main effect of Group emerged. Consequently, OF varying from 10% to 75%, under self-controlled conditions, were equally beneficial for learning the dance skill.