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Biomedical subjects

R A Magill

Publications and source records attributed to R A Magill.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Variability of prior practice in learning and retention of a novel motor response.

The schema theory prediction that variability of practice would influence the strength of the motor response schema was investigated. Three groups of subjects, defined by much, little, or no variability of distances moved in prior practice on a linear-slide apparatus, completed 12 initial practice trials. Subjects then had 10 trials to estimate a novel distance from a new starting point. Knowledge of results was provided on the first three trials and withdrawn on the last seven trials. No differences in accuracy of production of the novel distance were noted although evidence for a stronger-schema by the group with little variability was noted on the second transfer trial. On the trials on which knowledge of results was withdrawn this stronger schema group maintained performance while the other two groups showed a decrement in performance.

Female↗
PubMed1977

Serial-position effects in motor short-term memory.

This study examined the effect of the length of a series of movements on the recall of those movements. Subjects (n = 45) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups with each group recalling either three, six, or nine movements on a linear-slide apparatus. The subjects, while blindfolded, were presented with each movement by actively moving to a stop. Recall occurred 5 sec after the last movement to a stop on a trial. All subjects were given nine trials, each containing a different series of to-be-recalled movements. Results indicated that absolute error of recall of the three movements increased in a linear fashion. However, for six and nine movements, a bowing effect of the recall curve was noted following the fifth position. A primacy effect was more evident than was a recency effect. Accuracy of recall was a function of list length up to six movements, after which accuracy was not further impaired.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1975

Is the reaction time-movement time relationship 'essentially zero'?

It was hypothesized that, if RM-MT correlations are "essentially zero," then the magnitude of that correlation should not be subject to variation due to the manipulation of various experimental variables. In this experiment, Ss were tested with either RT-MT together or done separately. Results indicated significant relationships for 18 males but not for 18 females. The "essentially zero" position was discussed as being procedurally specific.

Adult↗