Isoluminant stimuli in a familiar discrete keying sequence task can be ignored

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Motor Control
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Motor sequencing models propose that highly practiced sequences reduce reliance on individual element cues.
• It remains unclear if individuals can actively suppress processing of these cues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether participants can cease processing stimuli for well-practiced motor sequences.
• To examine the development of stimulus processing suppression across practice.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments involved participants practicing 7-keypress sequences with isoluminant key-specific stimuli.
• A mixed condition tested if occasional stimulus display reduced processing, assessing benefits after practice (Exp 1) and across practice (Exp 2).

Main Results:

• Participants showed slightly reduced reliance on occasional stimuli after substantial practice (Exp 1).
• Participants rapidly developed awareness and ignored stimuli after limited practice (Exp 2).

Conclusions:

• Individuals can choose to ignore visual stimuli in motor sequencing but will utilize them when present.
• Findings detail cognitive system interactions in producing familiar keying sequences.