A comparison of knowledge of results scheduling methods for promoting motor skill acquisition and retention

Providing knowledge of results (KR) to a learner about each trial in a series of trials only after the series is completed is termed summary KR. A variation of summary KR is average KR, in which KR is presented as an average value about the series of trials. This study compared groups receiving either average KR, summary KR, or KR following every attempt in acquisition of a force production task. Following acquisition, groups performed no-KR immediate and long-term retention tests. Analysis of variable error revealed group main effects and group by block interactions in acquisition and long-term retention. Post hoc tests indicated that differences were due primarily to inconsistent performance of the group receiving KR following each acquisition attempt. Post hoc tests did not, however, indicate differences between the average KR and summary KR groups in acquisition or retention. It was concluded that average and summary KR promote consistency in performance in acquisition, with this stability in responding carried over to retention performance.