Recent insights into perceptual and motor skill learning.

Lior Shmuelof,John W Krakauer

doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00683

Lior Shmuelof, John W Krakauer

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00683

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Abstract

Recent insights into perceptual and motor skill learning.

Highlights

Improvements in task performance following practice can occur as a result of changes in distinct cognitive and neural processes
Stanley and Krakauer use the famous case of H.M. to argue that while motor acuity may not require intact explicit memory mechanisms (Milner, 1962), the process of acquisition of a new motor skill does require knowledge of facts in order to assemble a novel action (Stanley and Krakauer, 2013)
This assertion suggests a fundamental difference between motor and perceptual skills—while motor skills require intention and knowledge of facts, perceptual skills can be learned implicitly outside of conscious awareness

Summary

Introduction

Improvements in task performance following practice can occur as a result of changes in distinct cognitive and neural processes. Stanley and Krakauer use the famous case of H.M. to argue that while motor acuity may not require intact explicit memory mechanisms (Milner, 1962), the process of acquisition of a new motor skill does require knowledge of facts in order to assemble a novel action (Stanley and Krakauer, 2013). This assertion suggests a fundamental difference between motor and perceptual skills—while motor skills require intention and knowledge of facts, perceptual skills can be learned implicitly outside of conscious awareness.

Results

Conclusion