Question 1

Which of the following best describes Bernstein's 'degrees of freedom' problem in motor control?

Accepted Answer

The difficulty in coordinating multiple independent components of a control system to produce effective action.

Question 2

In the context of sensorimotor learning, what is the primary benefit of variable practice compared to constant practice?

Accepted Answer

It enhances the development of schemas, allowing better transfer to novel but related tasks.

Question 3

According to schema theory, what is a 'schema' in motor learning?

Accepted Answer

A generalized motor program that can be adapted to different effectors and conditions.

Question 4

Which stage in Fitts' 3-stage theory of learning is characterized by little conscious involvement and highly automatic performance?

Accepted Answer

Autonomous stage

Question 5

A piano student practices a piece by breaking it down into sections, then combining them for full performance. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Hierarchical learning and chunking

Question 6

Which type of augmented feedback provides information about the movement pattern and quality of action?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge of performance (KP)

Question 7

Why can reducing the frequency of feedback during motor learning be beneficial for long-term retention?

Accepted Answer

It encourages the learner to use intrinsic feedback to guide movement.

Question 8

A coach alternates between different drills in a single practice session, forcing athletes to switch tasks frequently. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Random practice

Question 9

Which principle is often used to organize degrees of freedom in multi-joint limb movements?

Accepted Answer

Minimization principles such as energy and jerkiness

Question 10

In the context of motor learning curves, what does a decrease in movement error over repeated trials indicate?

Accepted Answer

Improved motor performance due to practice.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the concept of 'chunking' in hierarchical learning?

Accepted Answer

Grouping related elements into larger, meaningful units for efficient storage and retrieval.

Question 12

A learner receives feedback only when their performance falls outside a predetermined acceptable range. This is known as:

Accepted Answer

Bandwidth feedback

Question 13

Which of the following is most likely to result in better transfer of skills to a new but related task?

Accepted Answer

Variable practice with many variations of the task.

Question 14

In motor learning, what is the main difference between inherent (intrinsic) and augmented (extrinsic) feedback?

Accepted Answer

Inherent feedback is a natural consequence of action, while augmented feedback is artificially provided.

Question 15

Which stage of motor learning involves continued changes in brain activity without concurrent practice?

Accepted Answer

Consolidation

Question 16

A physical therapist wants to maximize a patient's ability to perform a skill in a real-world environment. Which practice condition should they prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Practice tasks that closely resemble the performance environment.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes muscle synergies in motor control?

Accepted Answer

Groups of co-activated muscles specified by a single neural command.

Question 18

If a learner practices a skill and shows improved performance after a period without practice, this improvement is best attributed to which stage?

Accepted Answer

Retention

Question 19

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between movement error and practice trials in motor learning curves?

Accepted Answer

$E = E_0 	imes e^{-\alpha T}$

Question 20

A learner is able to write their name with their right hand, left hand, teeth, and foot, all using a similar movement plan. This demonstrates:

Accepted Answer

Schema theory and generalization of motor programs

Motor Programs and Sensorimotor Learning: Principles, Theories, and Practice

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