Applying bandwidth feedback scheduling to a golf shot

Bandwidth knowledge of results (KR) involves the presentation of precise error KR only on those trials in which a preset criterion of accuracy is not met. When the criterion is met, only a general statement referring to this success is given. It has been shown that bandwidth KR increases movement consistency relative to 100% relative frequency KR (Lee & Carnahan, 1990). While this and other KR schedules have been successful in promoting motor learning, there has been no attempt to generalize this finding to a motor task requiring whole-body coordination. This study examined whether, by using information feedback suited to a complex task (Kernodle & Carlton, 1992), the findings relating to bandwidth feedback would transfer to such a task. Participants practiced a golf chipping task with either KR or error correcting transitional information, under 0, 5, or 10% bandwidth conditions. Participants in the 10% bandwidth condition who had received transitional information performed more consistently in retention than all other participants. This result provides support for the generalization of bandwidth feedback principles to complex tasks.