Learning of a simple grapho-motor task by young children and adults: similar acquisition but age-dependent retention

Frontiers in Psychology
Mona S Julius, Esther Adi-Japha

Abstract

Many new skills are acquired during early childhood. Typical laboratory skill learning tasks are not applicable for developmental studies that involve children younger than 8 years of age. It is not clear whether young children and adults share a basic underlying skill learning mechanism. In the present study, the learning and retention of a simple grapho-motor pattern were studied in three age groups: 5-6, 7-8, and 19-29 years. Each block of the task consists of identical patterns arranged in a spaced writing array. Progression across the block involves on-page movements while producing the pattern, and off-page movements between patterns. The participants practiced the production of the pattern using a digitizing tablet and were tested at 24 h and 2 weeks post-practice. All age groups produced the task blocks more quickly with practice, and the learning rate was inversely related to the initial production time. All groups exhibited additional gains 24 h post-practice that were well-retained 2 weeks later. The accuracy of the participants was maintained throughout the 2-weeks period. These findings suggest that young children and young adults use a similar mechanism when learning the task. Nevertheless, the 6-years-old spent m...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 31, 2016·Research in Developmental Disabilities·Orly FoxEsther Adi-Japha
Mar 15, 2016·Frontiers in Human Neuroscience·Mona Sharon Julius, Esther Adi-Japha
Sep 12, 2017·Cognitive Neuropsychology·Sarah PalmisMarieke Longcamp
Oct 30, 2021·Frontiers in Psychology·Chagit Hollander, Esther Adi-Japha

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