Using bandwidth knowledge of results to alter relative frequencies during motor skill acquisition

This investigation examined the predictions of the guidance and specificity hypotheses by manipulating different distributions of relative frequency of knowledge of results (KR) using bandwidth (BW) conditions. Subjects (N = 120) were randomly assigned to either a BW0%, BW10%, Shrinking-BW, or Expanding-BW condition. After 100 acquisition trials were completed, a double transfer design was employed in which the subjects were divided in half and randomly assigned to a no-KR or KR retention condition. Retention tests of 10 min and 48 hr were completed under a no-KR or KR retention condition. Results of the 48-hr retention test under the no-KR retention condition suggested that receiving high relative frequencies of KR at the end of the acquisition phase was as detrimental to motor skill learning as receiving high relative frequencies of KR throughout acquisition. The results are discussed with respect to the guidance and specificity hypotheses.