Intrinsic Feedback, Interpolation, and the Closed-Loop Theory

Abstract

The amount of experience of a target location, or its surrounding locations, was manipulated to test Adams’ (1971) prediction that the perceptual trace (stored perception of the correct response) is based on repeated sensations of the correct response. Sixteen learning trials, each followed by knowledge of results, on a linear-positioning task were permitted for all subjects. Each learn ing trial required movement to an adjustable physical stop. In learning conditions without target experience, movements never terminated in a zone within which the target was interpolated. Other groups experienced movements terminating at the target point. The strength of the perceptual trace was inferred from the ability to move to the target during 20 test trials with the stop removed and without knowledge of results. Slow movements could be made to a novel location equally as well as to a repeatedly practiced location.