The Role of the Components of Knowledge of Results Information in Error Correction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of the components of a knowledge of results (KR) statement for organizing response correction. Forty-eight subjects learned to move a handle to a criterion location on a linear positioning apparatus. Error direction and distance components of the KR statement were manipulated across four independent groups. Two 4 × 15 Analyses of Variances were calculated on absolute error (AE) and constant error (CE) scores. The groups main effect, trials main effect, and the interaction groups × trials effect were significant for both analyses. Groups receiving directional information were more accurate in error correction than was the distance only group. Manipulation of distance information also influenced error correction on the initial trials. The results were interpreted as an indication that the learner's initial error corrections are based on directional information and that the distance of the error information which initially lacks meaning interferes with initial response accuracy.

Key Words:

• Knowledge of results
• motor learning
• response organization
• error correction