Effect of different methods of instruction and practice on skill acquisition of a motor task

Abstract

Purpose [line break] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different combinations of instruction and practice on the skill acquisition of a motor task. [line break] Procedure [line break] Subjects (140 males) were taken from freshmen and sophomore physical education classes at Arkansas Polytechnic College, Russellville, Arkansas. Four different instruction groups were formed with the subjects. Each member of each group was then randomly assigned to one of two different practice groups forming eight different combinations of instruction and practice. Each group practiced every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a period of five weeks using alternate juggling as the skill to be learned. Group 1 received oral instruction with demonstration and engaged in physical practice, group 2 received oral instruction with demonstration and engaged in both mental practice and physical practice, group 3 was given oral instruction and loopfilm instruction and participated in physical practice, and group 4 received oral instruction and loopfilm instruction and participated in both mental practice and physical practice. Group 5 was given written instructions and engaged in physical practice, group 6 received written instructions and engaged in both mental practice and physical practice, group 7 received written instructions and loopfilm instruction and participated in physical practice, and group 8 received both written instructions and loopfilm instruction and participated in both mental practice and physical practice. ...