Motor Control and Learning - Exam 2 - Action Preparation

What is the interval of time between the warning signal and the go signal?

Foreperiod

What is another name for reaction time?

Response-delay interval

What is Hick’s Law?

States that reaction time increases as number of stimulus-response choices increase

What is Hick’s Law formula?

Choice RT = k(log2(N+1))

N = number of choices

How does predictability of a correct response affect RT?

RT decreases as predictability of possible choice increases

What happens if attention to the pre-cue is lost before the move signal?

The RT benefit of advanced information is lost

What is the cost-benefit trade-off?

Cost and benefit that occur from biasing preparation toward one of several possible actions

Ex. Kicking soccer ball hard decreases goal keeper RT, also decreases accuracy

What is stimulus-response compatibility?

RT is faster when relationship between stimulus and response is compatible

How does spatial compatibility affect RT?

RT is faster when spatial arrangement of stimuli and response movements are compatible

What is the Stroop effect?

When naming the ink color of a word that names a different color, RT increased due to interference

How does foreperiod length regularity influence RT?

RT decreases when the foreperiod is more regular

How does movement complexity affect RT?

RT increases as movement complexity increases

How do movement accuracy demands affect RT?

RT increases as movement accuracy demands increase

How does repeating a movement influence RT?

Repeated movements improve RT

What is the psychological refractory period?

Delay in response to a second stimulus when two signals are presented close together

How does alertness influence preparation?

RT improves when a warning signal indicates a response will be needed soon (1-4 seconds)

RT increases the longer alertness is maintained

What is fractioned RT used for?

To gain insight into processes occurring during action preparation

What are anticipatory postural adjustments?

Activation of supporting muscles before executing a movement

Ex. Hamstrings contract before raising arm while standing

What limb performance characteristics can be prepared in advance?

Movement direction and movement trajectory

What are key characteristics prepared before movement?

Force control and end-state comfort control (final hand position planned ahead)

What evidence supports sequencing of movements in preparation?

Skilled tasks like piano playing show pre-planning of movement sequences

What is rhythmicity preparation?

Use of preperformance rituals to prepare timing

Consistent relative timing is more important than total time spent