Target Size Manipulations Affect Error-Processing Duration and Success Perceptions but not Behavioural Indices of Learning

• Main Authors: Nicole T. Ong, Jamie Hawke, Nicola J. Hodges
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
• Series: Brain Sciences
• Subjects: motor learning; motor control; throwing; motivation; EMG
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/9/5/119

We evaluated if and how success perceptions, through target size manipulations, impact processes related to motor learning. This work was based on recent literature suggesting that expectations and self-efficacy exert a direct impact on learning. We measured arousal, kinematics, learner expectancies, motivation, and outcomes in a dart-throwing task. Novices (<i>n</i> = 29) were assigned to either a &#8220;Large-target&#8221; (horizontal target, 10-cm high) or &#8220;Small-target&#8221; (2-cm high) group for practice (<i>t</i> = 90), and both groups completed 24-h retention tests. The Small-target group took longer to plan and process feedback in the pre-throw and post-throw periods, respectively, and showed larger joint amplitudes early in practice compared to the Large-target group. As predicted, the Large-target group made more hits and had heightened outcome expectancies compared to the Small-target group. Surprisingly, only the Large-target group performed better than they expected. Despite the Large-target group having more target hits, enhanced expectancies, and more unexpected success, this group did not outperform the Small-target group on behavioural indices of performance and learning. This research questions assumptions and results related to success-related manipulations for task performance and mechanisms related to target size manipulations.