Modeling the perceptual component of a coincident-timing skill : is there an optimal number of model presentations?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of variations in the amount of perceptual modeling different groups received prior to actively practicing a coincident-timing task. Specifically, subjects (n=44) were compared under four modeling conditions consisting of no, 1, 5, and 10 perceptual modeling trials administered by having subjects passively view stimulus lights on a Bassin anticipation runway prior to active performance. Following modeling experiences, each group performed right-to-left arm motion coincident with the illumination of the runway lights. Results indicated that perceptual modeling, whether 1, 5, or 10 trials, resulted in significantly less absolute constant timing error in performance than no modeling during a 20 trial acquisition phase and a 8 trial no-KR retention phase. Additionally, even though the 1 perceptual modeling group experienced only a single pre-practice experience with the stimulus, this group's performance was no different from the groups receiving more modeling experiences. Thus, it was concluded that the relevant information needed to enhance performance could be obtained with one pre-practice experience. More perceptual modeling was redundant, therefore unnecessary.