Abdulgabbar, Adel S. (1990) The effect of imagery ability on imitation of a closed-motor task. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis sets out to explore the process of motor skill acquisition and presents a thorough investigation of the role played by imagery ability in the recall and reproduction of a motor task. The importance of cognitive processes, such as imaging, in motor learning is becoming increasingly obvious and needs to be understood. Having described the three phases involved in motor learning - cognitive, associative and autonomous- and discussed certain relevant learning theories- the closed-loop theory and the schema theory- the thesis moves on to examine traditional Instructional methods and the contrast between observational learning and verbal instruction techniques, analysing in detail the concept of mental imagery in context of the recall of motor task.

The latter half of the thesis presents a series of experiments designed to quantify the role of Imagery ability in reproduction of an origami (paper-folding) task using the different instructional methods and a variety of modelled demonstrations and comparing accuracy and performance time.

The thesis concludes that observers who transform modelled actions into either symbolic or visual images achieve a higher level of learning and a higher standard of reproduction than non-imagers, and looks forward to an expansion of research into imaging in a variety of contexts.

The results of this study have implications for those working in selecting new trainees for most industrial firms, and their concern with the assessment of selecting individuals on their learning ability and the factors contributing to this as well as the possible instructional methods to be carefully considered with respect to the cost/benefit of such an exercise .

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Imagery (Psychology), Motor learning -- Testing, Psychology -- Experiments, Cognition
Official Date:	1990
Dates:	Date Event 1990 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Annett, John
Extent:	xii, 218 leaves : illustrations, charts.
Language:	eng

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