Abstract

This study examined variations in the frequency of modelling experiences with the perceptual demands of a coincident-timing task (perceptual modelling) to determine whether variations in the frequency of pre-performance demonstrations differentially affected overt coincident-timing performance. Four groups were compared that received either no, 1, 5, or 10 perceptual modelling trials prior to active practice. Perceptual modelling was administered by having subjects passively view stiumulus lights on a Bassin anticipation runway. Each group then performed a right-to-left arm motion coincident with the illumination of the runway lights, to displace a barrier coincident with the illumination of the final runway light. Results indicated that more perceptual modelling resulted in progressively more accurate performance (as measured by absolute constant timing error). It was suggested that passive observational experiences with time-to-contact judgements led to enhanced perception-action matching on initiation of active practice. Verf.-Referat