Applying Motor Learning Research and Practice Conditions

Vocabulary flashcards covering feedback frequency, practice schedules, and motor learning principles.

Smith's Task

A study on feedback timing showing that immediate performance was best with feedback after 1 trial and worst after 15 trials, whereas long-term retention was highest when feedback was given after 5 trials.

Fading

A feedback technique where a learner is given less knowledge of results (KR) as their performance improves.

Feedback Frequency in Children

The observation that children work better with more frequent feedback.

Power Law of Practice

The principle stating that early in practice performance improves rapidly, while later on in practice performance improves more slowly.

Massed Practice

A practice session in which the amount of practice time in a trial is greater than the amount of rest time between trials, which may lead to fatigue.

Distributed Practice

Practice sessions where the rest time is greater than or equal to the amount of practice time per trial.

Continuous Tasks in Massed Practice

Continuous tasks performed under massed practice conditions result in the worst performance.

Constant Practice

Practicing a task under the exact same conditions repeatedly, such as standard basketball free throws.

Variable Practice

Practicing a task in a variety of different conditions or variations.

Random Practice

Practicing different tasks in a randomized order, noted to be best for performance.

Blocked Practice

Practicing one task for a block of time before moving on to the next task, noted to be best for learning.

Contextual Interference

Interference that occurs during practice which leads to better overall learning.