Exploring the dynamic nature of contextual interference: Previous experience affects current practice but not learning

MSL research field: 
Skill acquisition
TitleExploring the dynamic nature of contextual interference: Previous experience affects current practice but not learning
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsHodges, NJ, Lohse, K, Wilson, A, Lim, SB, Mulligan, D
JournalJournal of Motor Behavior
KeywordsMotor learning, practice organization, practice scheduling, self-scheduling
Abstract

There is evidence that the learning benefits of Contextual Interference (CI) are moderated by experience, yet we do not know if these experiences are related to specific practice with random schedules. In two experiments, CI practice schedule was manipulated on Day 1. We evaluated its impact on 3 new tasks on Day 2; in the same or different practice schedule (Exp. 1) or when participants chose their practice (Exp. 2). Typical CI effects were observed for both sets of tasks, although on day 2, there were no longer any costs from random practice. Previous practice affected how practice was scheduled. The prior Random group switched more than the prior Blocked group. Although switching was related to retention, overall the groups did not differ. Therefore, specific experiences with a method of practice, influence later choices about how to practice, performance in practice, but not necessarily what is retained.

URLhttp://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00222895.2014.947911#.VBsbNRaapBM
DOI10.1080/00222895.2014.947911
Refereed DesignationRefereed
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