The Perception & Action Podcast 56 – Variability & Motor Learning, Attentional Training, Explicit Instructions & Skill Transfer
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Apr 18, 2017 The podcast dives into the intriguing debate over whether variability in motor learning aids or hinders skill development. A virtual shuffleboard experiment reveals that high variability in practice actually impaired learning. The discussion transitions to basketball, finding that execution variability doesn't seem to boost performance in free-throws. Additionally, attentional training techniques are explored for reducing stress in athletes, revealing mixed results. Finally, the impact of explicit knowledge on skill transfer is examined, showing that clarity enhances accuracy.
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Task vs Null Space Variability
- Variability splits into task-space (affects performance) and null-space (doesn't affect performance).
- Null-space variability may allow exploration of techniques but isn't always beneficial for learning.
High Variability Hurt Learning Here
- Cardis et al. manipulated resistance to create task-space and null-space variability in a virtual shuffleboard task.
- High variability impaired learning regardless of whether it was task-space or null-space.
Task Constraints Affect Value Of Variability
- Task simplicity and lack of individualized constraints may reduce incentives to explore alternative techniques.
- In constrained tasks, the best strategy can be to find one working solution and repeat it.