Demonstration as a rate enhancer to changes in coordination during early skill acquisition

Authors: Horn, Robert¹; Williams, A. Mark²; Hayes, Spencer²; Hodges, Nicola³; Scott, Mark²

Source: Journal of Sports Sciences, Volume 25, Number 5, March 2007 , pp. 599-614(16)

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Abstract:

We compared the nature and rate of change in intra-limb coordination in participants who observed a video model (model) with those who practised based on verbal guidance only (control). Sixteen male novices threw a ball towards a target with maximal velocity using a back-handed, reverse baseball pitch. Participants in the model group immediately changed their intra-limb relative motion to more closely resemble the model's relative motion pattern. This new coordination pattern, and concomitant changes in ball speed, was maintained throughout acquisition, without further change. In contrast, the control group showed no change in coordination or ball speed across acquisition. Our findings suggest that demonstrations act as a rate enhancer, conveying an immediate movement solution that is adopted early in acquisition. A model may constrain the learner to perceive and imitate the model's relative motion pattern as suggested by Scully and Newell (1985). The stability of this new movement pattern questions accounts of learning, which suggest that prescriptive, directed learning may result in the "soft assembly" of an inaccurate and temporary movement solution.

Keywords: Skill acquisition; modelling; practice; constraints

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640410600947165

Affiliations: 1: Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA 2: Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK 3: School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Publication date: 2007-03-01

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Demonstration as a rate enhancer to changes in coordination during early skill acquisition

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