Theories of motor learning

Adams's closed loop, Schmidt's schema, the motor programme, dynamic and ecological approaches: how motor control is explained.

The outline, topic by topic

Each topic is weighted the way the exam weighs it.

Motor programme: what is it?
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A set of commands prepared in advance that runs a movement without waiting for sensory feedback.
It explains very fast movements.
A smash lasts 150 ms, too short to correct on the way. Which theory explains it best?
- The motor programme
- The closed loop
- Affordances
- Identical elements
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The motor programme
Under about 200 ms, the movement runs without waiting for feedback.
Closed loop: what is it?
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Control that keeps comparing movement to a reference and corrects the gap (Adams, 1971).
It explains slow, precise movements.
Why does schema theory advise varying shooting distances?
- To store a separate programme for each distance
- To learn the rule linking force to distance
- To make fewer errors during the session
- To automate one distance before the next
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To learn the rule linking force to distance
The richer the rule, the better one adapts to an untried distance.
Schema theory: what is it?
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Schmidt's theory (1975): one learns rules linking the parameters, conditions and outcomes of one programme.
Hence the value of varied practice.