Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
10:39
The "Motor" in Implicit Motor Sequence Learning: A Foot-stepping Serial Reaction Time Task
Published on: May 3, 2018
8.8K
Phases of procedural learning and memory: characterisation with perceptual-motor sequence tasks
Jui-Yang Hong1, Eden Gallanter1,2, Eva M Müller-Oehring1,3
1Neuroscience Program, Biosciences Division, Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
Journal of Cognitive Psychology (Hove, England)
|April 19, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a modified Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) to differentiate phases of procedural memory (PM). The task effectively distinguishes cognitive, associative, and autonomous stages of PM formation.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Procedural learning and memory (PM) is often described in cognitive and autonomous phases.
- The Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) is widely used for PM research but hasn't been applied to distinguish PM phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a modified SRTT can differentiate the distinct phases of procedural memory.
- To establish a practical method for assessing PM development.
Main Methods:
- A modified Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) was employed.
- Performance was analyzed to identify distinct learning curves corresponding to PM phases.
Main Results:
- Performance showed a steep learning curve in the initial cognitive phase, followed by gradual improvements in the associative phase.
- Sustained high performance indicated the autonomous phase of procedural memory.
- The modified SRTT successfully distinguished these phases.
Conclusions:
- The modified SRTT is an effective and easy-to-use measure for distinguishing cognitive, associative, and autonomous phases of procedural memory.
- This task can be valuable for assessing procedural memory, particularly during brain development.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Implicit Memories
272
Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.
One key aspect of implicit...
One key aspect of implicit...
272
01:14Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory
732
The cerebellum, while traditionally associated with motor control, also plays a crucial role in memory, particularly in procedural memory, which involves learning motor tasks that become automatic through repetition. For example, studies have shown that when the cerebellum is damaged, individuals or animals lose the ability to learn conditioned motor responses, such as the conditioned eye-blink response in classical conditioning experiments with rabbits. This study demonstrates the...
732
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
1.5K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
1.5K
01:14Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
1.1K
The sensorimotor stage, the initial phase of Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, spans the first two years of a child's life. During this period, infants actively engage with their surroundings, building cognitive awareness through direct interaction with the world. This interaction is primarily based on sensory perception and motor actions, allowing infants to gradually understand basic physical properties and predict how objects interact within their environment.
Exploration...
Exploration...
1.1K
01:23Mnemonic Devices
236
Mnemonic devices are cognitive tools that facilitate memory retention by linking new information to familiar patterns or organizational strategies. These techniques are beneficial for remembering complex or lengthy sets of information by simplifying and structuring them in easily retrievable ways.
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
Acronyms
Acronyms are created by using the initial letters of a series of words to form a new word or phrase. This approach condenses complex information into a single, memorable entity. For example,...
236
01:17Piaget's Stage 3 of Cognitive Development
786
During Piaget's concrete operational stage, from ages 7 to 11, children exhibit a marked increase in logical thinking skills, specifically in relation to tangible, real-world events. This stage is characterized by the development of several essential cognitive concepts, including conservation, reversibility, and classification, all of which support the child's evolving capacity for structured thought.
Conservation and Constancy of Quantity
A significant cognitive milestone in the...
Conservation and Constancy of Quantity
A significant cognitive milestone in the...
786