Perceptions of Movement Patterns: Recall of Movement

Abstract

The present study attempted to characterize the perception, retention, and recall of kinaesthetic information regarding movement sequences (patterns). An attempt was made to draw on and extend conclusions relevant to simple movements (movement amplitude). One group of 10 blindfolded subjects recalled criterion movement patterns that had been actively commanded and 10 subjects recalled passively induced movements. The following conclusions were made. (1) Previous reports of algebraic errors in the recall of simple movement amplitudes are consistent with the finding that criterion perimeter, area, and depth of features were underestimated when recalled. (2) Measures of the accuracy of kinaesthetic perception do not alone account for the generally low level of pattern recall, the large range of individual differences or the underestimation of amplitude. The process of percept formation and of translating a percept into recalled movement are implicated. (3) Conclusions based on the short-term retention and recall of simple movements do not account for the coding, retention, and recall of movement sequences (patterns). (4) Percepts were formed, and patterns were recalled as a sequence of features but not as a sequence of key positions. (5) No direct difference was demonstrated between the recall of actively commanded and passively induced criterion movement patterns. However, the finding of a high gross angle change in the active condition was explained in terms of an unfavourable interaction between corollary discharge and sensory information.