For over 40 years, the contextual interference effect in motor learning has been investigated. While the difference between levels of contextual interference experienced under blocked and random practice are well established, the difference in the levels of contextual interference experienced under serial and random practice is still ambiguous.…

This dissertation describes a program of research encompassing three studies that focused on examining the effects of enhanced expectancies and perceptions of success on motor learning. OPTIMAL theory (Wulf & Lewthwaite, 2016) proposes that practice manipulations that enhance a learner's expectations for future successful outcomes lead to…

Autonomously developing organisms face several challenges when learning reaching movements. First, motor control is learned unsupervised or self-supervised. Second, knowledge of sensorimotor contingencies is acquired in contexts in which action consequences unfold in time. Third, motor redundancies must be resolved. To solve all 3 of these…

The measurability of sensorimotor development in 60 severely retarded, institutionalized adults was studied, using the Piagetian concept of object permanence in a delayed recall paradigm that involved special apparatus. Results suggested, among other things, that severely retarded, institutionalized adults learn most efficiently when trained with…

The papers presented in this book deal with the general area of motor skill acquisition and development. In section one, the first paper presents an overview of what has come to be known as "man as an information-processing system." Attention is focused on the transformation that the sensory input undergoes during central nervous system…

A program was developed for six kindergarten students identified as at risk because of developmental delays. The program involved an hour of instruction after the regular school day, 2 days a weeks for a 10-week period, with a curriculum focusing on visual, auditory, and motor development. Specific skill areas included visual motor coordination,…

Commercially available toys and games for children with educational handicaps, from general retardation to disabilities in limited areas of functioning are listed. For each toy, the name, manufacturer, and sex and age interest are stated; a description of the toy is given. All toys are classified according to the intellectual functions involved.…