Skill Acquisition and Information Processing

What is the first step in the information processing model of skill acquisition?

How are motor programs processed during skill acquisition?

What happens as a person gains experience in skill acquisition?

Which characteristic is associated with improved skill acquisition?

What plays a greater role in refining motor performance as skills develop?

What might cause delays and errors in motor responses at the beginning of skill acquisition?

Which of the following indicates a higher level of skill acquisition?

How does feedback contribute to motor program development?

Which of the following characterizes reduced cognitive control in skill acquisition?

What is a key factor in the evolution of a motor program?

Skill Acquisition and Information Processing

Information processing includes input, central decision-making, output, and feedback (refer to Fig 7.1).
A motor task's input is perceived, and a nervous system output (motor response) is generated.
After a motor response, related information (including task requirements, neuromuscular control instructions, and feedback) is stored in long-term memory as a motor program.
Upon encountering a similar task, the matching motor program is retrieved and refined with new information, then stored again for future reference.
Initial skill acquisition challenges the nervous system to find or refine existing motor programs to cope with novel situations. Inefficiencies and delays are common at this stage.
With practice, motor programs become more autonomous, requiring less central nervous system involvement.

Characteristics of Skill Acquisition

Improved Motor Coordination and Efficiency: Movement performance and effectiveness both enhance with practice.
Development of Motor Programs: Motor programs become more consistent as experience accrues.
Reduced Cognitive Control: The role of conscious thought and decision-making decreases with practice, leading to automation.
Recognizing Subtle Differences: The ability to discern subtle movement variations improves with experience.
Utilizing Subtle Cues: The ability to refine actions through subtle cues increases with expertise.
Enhanced Kinesthetic Feedback Usage: Greater reliance on kinesthetic feedback is crucial in tuning motor performance.

This quiz covers the essential concepts of skill acquisition related to information processing. It discusses the steps involved in motor tasks, the role of long-term memory in motor program storage, and the improvement of motor coordination with practice. Dive into the intricacies of how the nervous system adapts to new challenges and refines motor responses.