Rate and Force of Guidance in Perceptual-Motor Tasks with Reversed or Random Spatial Correspondence

Abstract

Using a serial tracking task with reversed relationship, between stimulus lights and control lever, comparison was made of the effects of four combinations of guided training. These consisted of complete response-forcing, or of partial response-forcing (hinting), both of which were administered at faster and slower tracking rates. The speed of movements made during training had a marked effect on transfer to normal practice, although only the first trial was affected by the degree of forcing.

In a second experiment, with zero correlation between the lever and light positions, the hinting technique appeared more effective than complete response-forcing. Both guidance methods produced more learning than an equivalent amount of normal practice. These and earlier results lead to the generalization that guidance becomes more effective as the complexity of perceptual-motor translation processes is increased.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. W. MACRAE

Now at the University College of North Wales, Bangor