Decay, Transfer, and the Reacquisition of a Complex Skill: An Investigation of Practice Schedules, Observational Rehearsal, and Individual Differences
Abstract
This study fills a void in the literature on skill decay by incorporating a cognitively complex task and an extended nonuse period. Using 192 paid participants who trained for approximately 17 hours on a command-and-control microworld simulation, we examined the effectiveness of distributed versus massed practice and post-acquisition observational rehearsal in minimizing skill decay and facilitating adaptive transfer and reacquisition after an 8-week nonuse period. We also examined how individual differences in ability and motivation predicted retention, transfer, and reacquisition as well as participation in voluntary post-acquisition observational rehearsal. Results showed that distributed practice had a positive effect on skill retention and post-observational rehearsal had a positive effect on transfer. Although some individual differences (e.g., self-efficacy) were consistently associated with retention, transfer, and reacquisition, overall levels of prediction were relatively weak, especially for transfer. Differences in motivation rather than ability differentiated individuals who participated in voluntary rehearsal from those who did not.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA482766
Entities
People
- Alok Bhupatkar
- Anton J. Villado
- Eric A. Day
- Paul R. Boatman
- Vanessa Kowollik
- Winfred Arthur Jr.
- Winston Bennett Jr.
Organizations
- Aptima (United States)