<p>This study examined the effects of self-controlled and performance-based feedback schedules on the acquisition and retention of a novel motor task. In Experiment 1 participants performed an interception task on a computer using a mouse-controlled cursor. The goal of the task was to intercept the image of a red circle as it passed through a designated area. Each trial received a score based on the speed and accuracy of the interception movement. Participants were randomly assigned to three feedback groups: Best-trial feedback, Worst-trial feedback, and Self-controlled feedback. No differences were found between groups in acquisition, however analysis of no-feedback retention and transfer tests indicated that the Worst-trial group showed the most significant improvements in performance. Experiment 2 examined the potential mechanisms contributing to the advantages of a worst-trial feedback schedule. Participants in the second experiment performed the same interception task utilized in Experiment 1 under two novel feedback conditions: Estimation feedback and Immediate feedback. These new groups were compared to the Worst-trial group from Experiment 1. Analysis of no-feedback retention and transfer tests again indicated that the Worst-trial group showed the most significant improvements in performance. These results suggest that self-controlled schedules may not be ideal when feedback is based on performance; instead, specific error information for the least successful trials appear to be most beneficial, especially when individuals have knowledge of results regarding previous attempts at the task.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a motor speech disorder associated with an impairment in motor planning and programming. It is therefore a logical step to derive treatment of the disorder from the principles of motor learning. Principles of motor learning refer to relatively predictable benefits of certain practice conditions over others (e.g., random practice enhances learning compared to blocked practice). A number of studies have begun to examine principles of motor learning in treatment for AOS (e.g., Austermann Hula et al., 2008; Katz et al., 2010). The current project aims to continue the investigation of motor learning principles and its application to motor speech disorders. In particular, the primary goal of this study is to examine the role of feedback control in treatment for AOS. Two types of feedback control are typically distinguished: self-controlled feedback and clinician-controlled feedback (Chiviacowsky & Wulf, 2004; Chiviacowsky & Wulf, 2007; Janelle, Barba, Frehlich, Tennant, & Cauraugh, 1997; Wulf, 2007). A secondary goal is then to examine the efficacy of script training for AOS. Youmans et al. (2011) provided promising initial evidence supporting its efficacy for AOS, yet no studies have replicated these findings (Ballard et al., 2015). The results of this study suggest that self-controlled feedback is more efficacious in treating adults with AOS than clinician-controlled feedback. Greater improvements of performance for self-controlled feedback were noted especially in accuracy of productions. There was the potential to impact rate of speech as well. Findings across conditions (treated versus untreated scripts) also indicate that script training is an efficacious method of treating adults with AOS. / Public Health

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T13:49:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 angelicakaefer.pdf: 395526 bytes, checksum: fa5c5d2a2a4fa53dfa537189b4bacc07 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-03-26 / The relationship between extroversion-introversion personality trait and the selfcontrolled frequency of extrinsic feedback, in the learning of a sequential timing motor skill in adults was investigated in the current study. The subjects answered to the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) for the personality evaluation of. 56 citizens. University students of both genders had been selected through the EPQ and had then been submitted to a motor task that consisted of pressing computer keyboard keys, with specific space and timing sequence established by the experimenter. The experiment counted on phases of acquisition, retention and transfer. The retention and transfer phases were carried out 24 hours after the acquisition phase. The subjects were distributed in 4 groups, formed by the combination of the trace (extroversão/introversion) and frequency of KR (selfcontrolled and externally controlled). The dependent variable used in the study was the partial errors in absolute and relative timing in each block. The results indicated superior learning for the groups that had practiced in a self controlled schedule. Complementary analyses were carried out, evidencing inferior learning for the group of introverts that requested more KR at the beginning of the practice and less at the end, in relation to all the other groups. Hence, these complementary analyses demonstrated a significant interaction between personality trait and KR frequency in relation to a high or low request of KR in relative timing, that is; introverts who requested high frequency of KR learned more than introverts who requested low frequency of KR and extroverts who requested low KR frequency learned more than extroverts who requested high KR. / No presente trabalho investigou-se a relação entre o traço de personalidade extroversão-introversão e a freqüência de feedback extrínseco auto-controlado na aprendizagem de uma habilidade motora de timing seqüencial em adultos. Os sujeitos responderam ao Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) para a avaliação da personalidade. 56 sujeitos, estudantes universitários de ambos os sexos foram selecionados através do EPQ e posteriormente, foram submetidos a uma tarefa motora que consistiu em pressionar teclas do teclado numérico acoplado de um computador portátil, com uma seqüência espacial e temporal específica estabelecida pelo experimentador. O experimento contou com fases de aquisição (60 tentativas), retenção (10 tentativas) e transferência (10 tentativas). As fases de retenção e transferência foram realizadas 24 horas após a fase de aquisição. Os sujeitos foram distribuídos em 4 grupos, formados com a combinação do traço (extroversão/introversão) e a freqüência de fornecimento de CR (auto-controlado e externamente controlado). As variáveis dependentes utilizadas no estudo foram os erros parciais em timing absoluto e timing relativo obtidos em cada bloco. Os resultados apontaram aprendizagem superior para os grupos que praticaram com freqüência auto-controlada de CR em relação aos grupos que praticaram com freqüência externamente controlada. Análises complementares foram realizadas, evidenciando aprendizagem inferior para o grupo de introvertidos que solicitou mais CR no início da prática e menos no final, em relação a todos os outros grupos. Ainda, estas análises complementares evidenciaram, em timing relativo, uma significativa interação entre traço de personalidade e freqüência em relação à alta e baixa solicitação de CR, ou seja, introvertidos que solicitaram alta freqüência de CR aprenderam mais que introvertidos que solicitaram baixa freqüência de CR e, extrovertidos que solicitaram baixa freqüência de CR aprenderam mais que extrovertidos que solicitaram alta freqüência de CR