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Abstract
Observational learning can enhance the acquisition and performance quality of complex motor skills. While an extensive body of research has focused on the benefits of synchronous (i.e., concurrent physical practice) and non-synchronous (i.e., delayed physical practice) observational learning strategies, the question remains as to whether these approaches differentially influence performance outcomes. Accordingly, we investigate the differential outcomes of synchronous and non-synchronous observational training contexts using a novel dance sequence. Using multidimensional cross-recurrence quantification analysis, movement time-series were recorded for novice dancers who either synchronised with (n = 22) or observed and then imitated (n = 20) an expert dancer. Participants performed a 16-count choreographed dance sequence for 20 trials assisted by the expert, followed by one final, unassisted performance trial. Although end-state performance did not significantly differ between synchronous and non-synchronous learners, a significant decline in performance quality from imitation to independent replication was shown for synchronous learners. A non-significant positive trend in performance accuracy was shown for non-synchronous learners. For all participants, better imitative performance across training trials led to better end-state performance, but only for the accuracy (and not timing) of movement reproduction. Collectively, the results suggest that synchronous learners came to rely on a real-time mapping process between visual input from the expert and their own visual and proprioceptive intrinsic feedback, to the detriment of learning. Thus, the act of synchronising alone does not ensure an appropriate training context for advanced sequence learning.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 102776 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Human Movement Science |
Volume | 76 |
Early online date | 24 Feb 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2021 |
Keywords
- observational learning
- synchronous imitation
- non-synchronous imitation
- interpersonal coordination
- dance
- perception-action coupling
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Dive into the research topics of 'Synchronous vs. non-synchronous imitation: using dance to explore interpersonal coordination during observational learning'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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ARC - Future Fellowships: Modelling Human Perceptual-Motor Interaction for Human-Machine Applications
15/10/18 → 14/10/22
Project: Other