Memory Characteristics Of Two Dimensional Movement Information

Abstract

Two experiments examined the reproduction accuracy and retention characteristics of two-dimensional movement information. Distance, location, and combined location plus distance groups were examined under three retention intervals. The results of both experiments generally revealed that distance cues were maintained over a 15-second rest interval and subject to decay when interpolated activity was introduced. In contrast, recall accuracy for both the location group and the location plus distance group decayed during the rest interval. Following the presentation of interpolated activity, the location group exhibited no further decrement while the location plus distance group continued to demonstrate a decay in accuracy. These results imply a differential access to central processing for the two sources of movement information. That is, contrary to the results of previous studies utilizing one-dimensional tasks, two-dimensional distance cues appear to be centrally processed while location cues are not. Thus, when distance and location information is available, only the distance information appears to have access to central processing. Apparently, distance cues are more readily rehearsable in a two-dimensional task. It might be argued that distance information, with such additional cues as movement rate, timing, etc., is more appropriate for two-dimensional tasks while location information is relied on in one-dimensional tasks.

Key Words:

• motor memory
• rehearsal
• retention processes
• kinesthesis
• movement coding
• motor learning