Practice variability and longer and short retention intervals.
This experiment compared the effect of different practice schedules on distance and direction errors in a blindfolded two-dimensional movement. The three experimental groups, (a) criterion target only, (b) varied targets (not criterion), (c) single target (not criterion) and one control group (rested), were tested immediately after the "practice" session without knowledge of results and were tested again after a 1-wk. retention interval. The distance data demonstrated little difference among the three experimental groups, but all three groups were significantly better than the control group. However, there was little difference in errors of direction among the groups. While the data for distance support a schema interpretation of movement control, the data for direction appear to reflect the concept of a visual-spatial map being used to guide movements.
D004215:Distance Perception; D006801:Humans; D007699:Kinesthesis; D008568:Memory; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D009949:Orientation; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D012153:Retention, Psychology