Adaptive training of perceptual-motor skills: issues, results, and future directions

Abstract

This review has two aims; the first is to assess AT as a method for teaching control skills, and the second is to establish a conceptual framework that will allow a detailed analysis of adaptive manipulations and their influence on skill acquisition. The major studies in adaptive training research are described and evaluated. A critical examination of the various experiments reveals that there is less support for the application of adaptive manipulations to applied motor skill training than is generally believed. Some apparently favorable experiments have methodological and interpretive flaws that seriously weaken their conclusions. Other experiments that provide tenable support have characteristics that are unique in adaptive training research so that the generality of their data is in doubt. The limitations of the data prevent any firm conclusions being drawn about the efficiency of adaptive training. However a detailed analysis of motor skill theory and research indicates that some adaptive manipulations could be effective. Methodological and conceptual issues that are critical to successfully testing those manipulations are clarified in a discussion of the adaptive training concept. In addition, that discussion outlines several empirical tests that are needed to enable a more effective analysis of adaptive training.