The Effect of the Amount of Single-Task Practice on Dual-Task Tracking.
Abstract
This experiment had two primary purposes. First, it compared the relative efficiency of the fractionation method of part-task training to whole-task training for a combination consisting of two difficult tracking tasks. Second, it determined how the amount of single-task practice affected subsequent dual-task performance. The experiment required two sessions, a training session and a retention session one week later. Four groups of 12 female subjects completed both sessions. During the training session, Groups 1 and 4 received one single-task trial on each task before performing their combination. Group 2 received three single-task trials on each task before performing their combination; Group 3 received six single-task trials. Groups 1, 2, and 3 received a total of 20 dual-task trials; Group 4 received 30 dual-task trials. During the retention session, all groups received a total of two single-task trials on each task and ten dual-task trials. The results of the experiment were inconclusive for two reasons. First, increasing the amount of single-task practiced on each task did not result in better single-task performance as anticipated. That is, Groups 2 and 3 had approximately the same level of performance at the end of their single-task training even though Group 3 had twice as much practice as Group 2. Second, although subjects were assigned at random to the groups, Group 2 had better single-task skills than the subjects in the other three groups. This made any between-group comparisons problematic.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185154
Entities
People
- Diane L. Damos
Organizations
- Arizona State University