Reaction Time and Performance in Learning a Two Dimensional Compensatory Tracking Task

Abstract

This study is concerned with a series of experiments on learning a compensatory tracking task. Ss had to compensate for a stepwise deflection of a spot on a cathode-ray tube. They could compensate for the deflections by means of two knobs, one controlling the horizontal, and the other the vertical, movement of the spot. According to the experimental results three different learning phenomena in step function compensation tracking can be distinguished. Two stages have been recognized in the processing of incoming signals: firstly the classification of the signals by an analysing mechanism, and secondly the formation and direction of a trigger signal by a mechanism, which we named ‘ trigger director ’'. The processing time required by those two mechanisms constitutes the latency of the compensatory response or RT. As a result of the processing, a trigger signal sots off a programmed response. The program improves with practice and this is demonstrated by means of a measure called ‘ quality of the response ’.