Memory and Perceptual Trace Development in Ballistic Timing

Adams' (1971) closed-loop theory holds that memory and perceptual trace development is a function of the amount of practice with knowledge of results. If knowledge of results is withdrawn before these two memory states are strong performance will worsen, but after substantial practice performance can be maintained and evaluated in the absence of knowledge of results. To test the first prediction, three independent groups were given varying amounts of KR trials prior to early knowledge of results withdrawal. Subjects attempted to produce a 24.13-cm movement in exactly 150 msec. Memory and perceptual trace performance (as reflected in mean absolute and mean absolute estimated error, respectively) were dependent on the amount of knowledge of results practice, and the memory and perceptual trace remained reasonably strong during late knowledge of results withdrawal.