Chapter 18 motor learning: Whole and Part Practice

Complexity

Number of parts or components and the degree of information processing that characterize a skill

Segmentation

A progressive part method that involves practicing parts in sequence such that the first part is practiced until it can be performed at a certain performance level and then the next part is added and practiced, and so on until the skill is practiced as a whole.

Simplification

Involves simplifying parts of the skill, or of the whole skill. We considered several different simplification methods.

3 methods of part practice

1) Fractionization 2) Segmentation 3) Simplification

Examples of Simplification

1) Reduce object difficulty 2) Reduce attention demands 3) Reducing movement speed 4) Add auditory cues 5) progressive sequences of increasing skill difficulty or complexity 6) Simulators and virtual reality environments

Whole Practice

A practice strategy that involves practicing a skill in its entirely (i.e., as a whole)

Part Practice

A practice strategy that involves practicing parts of a skill before practicing the whole skill.

Gopher, Weil, and Siegel (1989) Computer Shooting Game

Six week session each with a different focus. Explains part practice. Group one: Focus on controlloing the spaceship. Second Group: Focus attention on handling the mines arouond the fortress. Third Group: Received instructions for spaceship and mine handling. Control Group: Did not recieve any instruction. Results: Control group improved with practice but not as much as the rest of the groups. Group Three outperfomed the rest in everything.

Fractionization

The practicing of an individual arm or leg of an asymmetric coordination task involving the arms or legs and then practicing them together.

Organization

The relationships among the components of the skill

When to use part or whole practice when performing a new motor skill

Whole Practice: Use a whole practice strategy when the skill is low in complexity and high in organization. Part Practice: Use a part practice when the skill is higher in complexity and is lower in organization.