Lab 4a Motor Programs
Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this lab experiment is to explore the relationship between movement complexity and the amount of time needed to organize a motor program.
Reference
Chapter 4
Materials Needed
• Computer or tablet
• Sticky note
• Two quarters
• Clear tape
• Individual Data Sheet
• Group Data Sheet
Procedure
Place a sticky note 30 cm to the right of the computer mouse. Then tape the two quarters 30 cm to the right of the sticky note and 30 cm apart. (Note: Left-hand-dominant individuals should place the items to the left of the mouse.) You will perform five trials each of three movement conditions that differ in complexity and your objective is to perform each condition as quickly as possible. For a demonstration of the experimental set up and demonstration of Condition 3, see the video linked below.
Condition 1
Connect to the website http://getyourwebsitehere.com/jswb/rttest01.html. Perform the reaction time test as per instructed on the site. Record your results on the Individual Data Sheet.
Condition 2
Repeat the procedure used in Condition 1 with the following movement addition: After clicking the button as soon as the green light appears, touch the sticky note as quickly as possible. Record your results on the Individual Data Sheet.
Condition 3
Condition 3 incorporates the same procedure used in Condition 2 with increased movement complexity: Click the button as quickly as possible when the green light appears, then touch the sticky note, and then also touch each quarter as quickly as possible. Record your results on the Individual Data Sheet.
Results
1. Obtain the results from the other participants. Record the mean scores for each individual on the Group Data Sheet.
2. Calculate the group mean for each condition.
3. Create a bar graph at www.onlinecharttool.com/graph?selected_graph=bar illustrating the group mean for each condition.
Discussion
1. How did increased movement complexity influence reaction time?
2. Do the results of this experiment support the notion that task complexity influences the amount of time needed to organize a motor program?
3. How do these results support the notion that movements are planned in advance?
