Abstract
Implicit motor learning has been studied using an errorless learning protocol that consists of progressively more difficult versions of the task during acquisition (see Poolton & Zachry (2007) for review). Though not truly "errorless" acquisition, the protocol typically results in less error than a reverse order protocol during acquisition, and also better learning as measured in retention and transfer tests. The current experiment was conducted in order to determine if the errorless learning protocol utilized by Maxwell et al. (2001) for a gross motor skill would be replicated in a precise, fine-motor skill. Nineteen young adults were asked to propel a 3cm disc towards a series of targets, varying in size, but constant in location, projected onto a table top following either an errorless or reverse protocol. We found no effects for protocol in acquisition, immediate and delayed retention and transfer tests. Differences between protocol groups were seen only for the largest and smallest of the targets during acquisition. These findings fail to replicate previous effects of an errorless learning protocol, for which we are currently investigating further. Possible reasons for the failure to replicate include amount of practice, nature of the task, and the potential role of task difficulty progressions during practice.?????Acknowledgments: This study was supported by NSERC