Specificity of Learning, Variability of Practice, and the Transfer of Motor Skills Training

Abstract : The Basic Research Program within the Army Research Institute is intended to fill in gaps in behavioral and social science methodology in order to create a cumulative behavioral science knowledge base on which to build new technologies for improving the effectiveness of Army personnel. The Office of Basic Research identifies the concepts and explores new technologies which offer the greatest potential for transition to applied research on the problems facing the Army. Basic research is underway in areas where the payoff to the Army appears highest. One area of special interest is motor skill training. This report presents the results of research on the transfer of motor skill training and the effects of variability of practice and performance conditions. It examines the similarity of performance conditions between training tasks and the corresponding effect on transfer accuracy. These and other previous findings from research efforts within the Training Research Lab are being combined to form the technology base for improving training and training management effectiveness within the Army. Additional keywords: Transfer of training; Linear arm movement.

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