Effects of Overlearning on Retention and Relearning of Gross-Motor Skill by Mentally Retarded Males

Abstract

To study the effects of gross-motor skill overlearning on retention and relearning by mild, moderate, and severe institutionalized male retardates 79 mentally retarded males were randomly assigned to a learning group or an overlearning group. Learning to throw a bean bag at a target at 8 ft. occurred when Ss accumulated 10 points in 3 consecutive throws, and at 16 ft. when 6 points were accumulated in three consecutive throws. The learning group reached criterion at one time at each distance, but the overlearning group was given three consecutive trials at criterion. All Ss were retrained after 5 wk. Trials to criterion for original acquisition and relearning indicated overlearning gave superior performance on retention.