Examining the Optimal Frequency of Modeling Under Varied Constrained Choice Conditions for the Learning of a Dance Skill

Abstract

Various constrained frequencies of skilled model observation, under self-controlled conditions, were examined to determine whether there was an optimal frequency of modeling for learning a dance movement. Forty-eight participants with no previous dance/gymnastics experience first did a pre-test, then learned the skill over 60 interspersed observational and physical practice trials in one of four conditions that consisted of either (1) 25%, (2) 50%, (3) 75% modeling frequencies, or (4) no constraint imposed. This 60-trials acquisition phase was followed by a 24-hour post-test. Physical performance, scored by two external evaluators, revealed a significant main effect of Time from pre- to post-test (F(1, 44) = 120.43, p < .001). Cognitive representation scores revealed a main effect of Time for an image selection test (F(1, 44) = 39.09, p < .001), and a Time by Decision interaction for a forced-choice test (F(1.53, 67.48) = 7.00, p = .004). While learning was demonstrated for all measures, evidenced by higher scores at post-test than at pre-test, no main effect of Group was obtained. Consequently, the frequencies of modeling tested here under self-controlled learning conditions were equally beneficial for the learning of the novel dance skill.