Observation of a progressive novice model is a good alternative to physical practice in learning dart-throwing skill

Observing a person performing a skill is one of the most effective methods in motor skill learning, which is called observational learning. In this regard, it has been shown that watching a skilled model can be a good alternative to physical practice. However, the question arises as to whether watching a beginner model can lead to learning a motor skill as effectively as physical practice does.In the present study we wanted to compare the effectiveness of novice model observation and physical practice on learning dart-throwing skill.Forty-five female students were selected voluntarily. They were randomly divided into three groups (observation, physical practice and control). Subjects participated in a four-stage research process including: pretest, acquisition, and two retention/transfer tests (۱۰-minute and ۲۴-hour). In the pre-test, all participants performed the dart throwing task from a legal distance (۲.۳۷ meters) for ۶ trials with no augmented feedback. In the acquisition phase, the subjects in the physical practice group performed dart-throwing skills for ۶۰ trials, while the subjects in the observation group watched ۶۰ performances of one of the subjects in the physical practice group that had significant progress during practice (–progressive novice mode). The subjects in the control group did not practice at this stage. Ten minutes and ۲۴ hours after the acquisition phase, all subjects participated in retention/transfer tests. Retention tests were performed exactly as in the pre-test, but transfer tests were performed half a meter ahead and half a meter behind the legal distance. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (α = ۰.۰۵).There were no significant differences between the groups in the pre-test, but in both ۱۰-minute and ۲۴-hour retention/transfer tests, observation and physical practice groups outperformed the control group; However, there was no significant difference between the two groups.These results indicate that practice, regardless of its type (observational or physical), leads to learning. More importantly, observing the beginner model has been as effective as physical practice.

کلیدواژه ها:

Observational learning ، novice model ، darts ، Motor skill ، Physical Practice