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Description:
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The ability of spatial transfer to occur in movement sequences is reflected upon in theoretical perspectives , but limited research has been done to verify to what extent spatial characteristics of a sequential learning task occur . Three experiments were designed to determine participants ability to transfer a learned movement sequence to new spatial locations . A 16 -element dynamic arm movement sequence was used in all experiments . The task required participants to move a horizontal lever to sequentially projected targets . Experiment 1 included 2 groups . One group practiced a pattern in which targets were located at 20 , 40 , 60 , and 80° from the start position . The other group practiced a pattern with targets at 20 , 26 .67 , 60 , and 80° . The results indicated that participants could effectively transfer to new target configurations regardless of whether they required proportional or non -proportional spatial changes to the movement pattern . Experiment 2 assessed the effects of extended practice on proportional and non -proportional spatial transfer . The data indicated that while participants can effectively transfer to both proportional and non -proportional spatial transfer conditions after one day of practice , they are only effective at transferring to proportional transfer conditions after 4 days of practice . The results are discussed in terms of the mechanism by which response sequences become increasingly specific over extended practice in an attempt to optimize movement production . Just as response sequences became more fluent and thus more specific with extended practice in Experiment 2 , Experiment 3 tested whether this stage of specificity may occur sooner in an easier task than in a more difficult task . The 2 groups in Experiment 3 included a less difficult sequential pattern practiced over either 1 or 4 days . The results support the existence of practice improvement limitations based upon simplicity versus complexity of the task . |