Coordination dynamics of learning and transfer: Collective and component levels.

Abstract

The dynamics of learning a new coordinated behavior was examined by requiring participants to perform a visually specified phase relationship between the hands. Results showed that learning may involve qualitative or quantitative alterations in the layout of the coordination dynamics depending on whether such dynamics are bistable or multistable before exposure to the learning task. In both cases, the process stabilized the to-be-learned behavior and its symmetry partner, even though the latter had not actually been practiced. Kinematic analyses of hand motion showed that previously existing coordination tendencies were exploited during learning in order to match visual requirements. These findings and the concepts presented here provide a framework for understanding how learning occurs in the context of previous experience and allow individual differences in learning to be tackled explicitly.

The coupled oscillator model of between-hand coordination in alternate-hand tapping: A reappraisal.

“…Studies on the coordination of (low-or medium-frequency) bimanual movements have consistently emphasized that two coordination patterns, inphase and antiphase, are intrinsically stable and behave as attractor states (Haken et al, 1985;Kelso, 1984;Yamanishi et al, 1980). Other forms of phasing patterns can be learned with practice, although even here, the target phase may only be manifest at certain points within the cycle (e.g., Zanone & Kelso, 1997).…”

“…Some light on this issue can be gleaned from studies examining how people learn new patterns of coordination. Zanone and Kelso (1997) were able to train participants to produce bimanual movements with the novel phases of 4> = 0.25 and 0.75. However, the novel phase relationships were generally maintained only in the region of maximum flexion of the fingers.…”

“…Another aspect of the Zanone and Kelso (1997) study is informative. The participants not only learned the novel phases but exhibited spontaneous transfer of the newly learned coordination (e.g., <f> = 0.25) to the "symmetry partner" (e.g., (j> = 0.75).…”

“…Likewise, tapping in synchrony with both index fingers would involve in-phase coordination, whereas tapping in a regularly alternating manner would involve antiphase coordination. Phase delays that deviate from in-phase or antiphase relations typically give rise to less stable or unstable hand coordination in repetitive cyclic movements (e.g., Kelso, 1984;Zanone & Kelso, 1997).…”

Relative phase stability: The interaction of attentional instruction and frequency on relative phase of bimanual coordination movements

“…These parameters are factors that cause a system changes from a behavioral pattern another one. For instance, transition from one model to another one is observed as the rhythm of motion increases (29). Order parameters are variables that accurately describe the system behavior and follow predictable patterns (17).…”