Perceptual-motor sequence learning of general regularities and specific sequences

Chad J. Marsolek and Jason E. Field

Participants viewed digit strings and typed them on a computer keyboard. When they used the same key configuration across training and test, they typed test strings that adhered to the same sequence rule as training strings faster than test strings that adhered to the opposite rule (general-regularity [GR] learning), and they typed test strings that were processed repeatedly during training faster than the others (specific-sequence [SS] learning). However, when they used different key configurations between training and test, GR learning, but not SS learning, was observed. Conversely, when they did not type but spoke the strings aloud during training, SS learning, but not GR learning, was observed. Results suggest that, in addition to declarative memory for specific sequences, relatively independent subsystems underlie procedural learning of perceptual-motor sequence components (producing GR effects) and sequence wholes (producing SS effects).

Marsolek, C. J., & Field, J. E. (1999). Perceptual-motor sequence learning of general regularities and specific sequences. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance , 25, 815-836.