Psychomotor learning
Encyclopedia
Psychomotor learning is the relationship between cognitive functions and physical movement. Psychomotor learning is demonstrated by physical skills such as movement, coordination, manipulation, dexterity, grace, strength, speed; actions which
demonstrate the fine motor skills such as use of precision instruments or tools, or actions which evidence gross motor skills such as the
use of the body in dance, musical or athletic performance.
Behavioral examples include driving a car, throwing a ball, and playing a musical instrument
. In psychomotor learning research
, attention is given to the learning of coordinated activity involving the arms, hands, fingers, and feet, while verbal processes are not emphasized.
stage. The cognitive stage is marked by awkward slow and choppy movements that the learner tries to control. The learner has to think about each movement before attempting it. In the associative stage, the learner spends less time thinking about every detail, however, the movements are still not a permanent part of the brain
. In the autonomic stage, the learner can refine the skill through practice, but no longer needs to think about the movement.
. The more practiced a movement is, the stronger the neural encoding becomes. Psychomotor learning is not limited to the motor cortex, however. For example, the perceptual system is also involved in integrating visual feedback when driving a car, or physical feedback when playing the piano.
demonstrate the fine motor skills such as use of precision instruments or tools, or actions which evidence gross motor skills such as the
use of the body in dance, musical or athletic performance.
Behavioral examples include driving a car, throwing a ball, and playing a musical instrument
Musical instrument
A musical instrument is a device created or adapted for the purpose of making musical sounds. In principle, any object that produces sound can serve as a musical instrument—it is through purpose that the object becomes a musical instrument. The history of musical instruments dates back to the...
. In psychomotor learning research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
, attention is given to the learning of coordinated activity involving the arms, hands, fingers, and feet, while verbal processes are not emphasized.
Stages of psychomotor development
When learning psychomotor skills, individuals progress through the cognitive stage, the associative stage, and the autonomicAutonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system functioning largely below the level of consciousness, and controls visceral functions. The ANS affects heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, diameter of the pupils,...
stage. The cognitive stage is marked by awkward slow and choppy movements that the learner tries to control. The learner has to think about each movement before attempting it. In the associative stage, the learner spends less time thinking about every detail, however, the movements are still not a permanent part of the brain
Brain
The brain is the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals—only a few primitive invertebrates such as sponges, jellyfish, sea squirts and starfishes do not have one. It is located in the head, usually close to primary sensory apparatus such as vision, hearing,...
. In the autonomic stage, the learner can refine the skill through practice, but no longer needs to think about the movement.
How motor behaviors are recorded
When an individual learns physical movements, this leads to changes in the motor cortexMotor cortex
Motor cortex is a term that describes regions of the cerebral cortex involved in the planning, control, and execution of voluntary motor functions.-Anatomy of the motor cortex :The motor cortex can be divided into four main parts:...
. The more practiced a movement is, the stronger the neural encoding becomes. Psychomotor learning is not limited to the motor cortex, however. For example, the perceptual system is also involved in integrating visual feedback when driving a car, or physical feedback when playing the piano.