<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)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/21718 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Barney, Justin G. |
| Contributors | Lee, Timothy D., Kinesiology |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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