Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different sequence structures on I he bilateral transfer of learning from one sequence to another. Subjects were asked to respond to visual stimulus of a "x" mark appeared in a particular sequence on the CRT at one of four locations arranged horizontally. They were instructed to respond to the visual signal by pressing the corresponding keys with their four fingers After practicing one serial pattern for a substantial period of time with one hand, the subjects transferred to a second pattern with the other hand III subjects were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions and a control condition [hierarchy(n =6). VS. linear(n =6), control(n =6)]. Reaction time constituted the dependent variable and learning of the sequence was evaluated by measuring the amount of facilitation of the performance on the transfer tasks. Two types of sequence transformations were used to study the bilateral transfer of learning from one sequence to another (1) hieararchical transfer patterns for a hieararchy group were designed in a way such that the three groups of elements of the practice pattern were rearranged. Thus. Sub-group integrity was maintained even though the overall element orders was rearranged. (2) linear: For a linear group, the transfer pattern was identical 10 the practice pattern except that the starting position was altered. In this condition, the order of elements in pattern was very similar in the initial and transfer condition, but sub-group identity was altered A third group(control group) received an entirely new pattern. The results were following (1) No statistical differences among the hieararchy, linear and control groups were found in initial training performance [F(2, 15)=0.359, p>.05]. (2) However, during the initial training phase the ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of practice trials which indicated all three group, learned the sequence significantly better as the practice trials progressed [F(9. 135)=20.007, p<.001]. (3) On the initial training phase. the ANOVA showed there was no interation between conditions and practice trials [F(18, 135) =0.618, p>.05]. (4) On the transfer phase. the hieararchy group was significantly superior 10 either the linear or control groups [F(2, 15)= 8.95, p< .003]. The findings support the notion thet the internal representation of a sequence is hieararchicalIy, rather than linearly. organized and the execution of movement sequence is controlled hieararchically even though different effector(different hand in this study). In addition. the results provided strong evidence for the notion that the subunits of movement can be interchangeable once subjects establish interval structure of the sequence.