The Prediction of Total Task Performance from Prior Practice on Task Components

Abstract

Two hundred and four Ss practiced the components of a complex multidimensional compensatory pursuit task, singly and in combination. These components involved discrete display-control relationships. The total task, which was practiced last, requires an integration of these components; that is, the S must operate the multiple controls in order to minimize error indications on all displays simultaneously. The problems investigated were (a) the extent to which performance on task components, individually practiced, is predictive of subsequent total task performance; (b) the extent to which practice on combinations of components is predictive of total task performance; (c) the interrelationships among component performances; and (d) the relative contribution of various component performances to total and subtask performances. The resulting correlational and multiple correlational analyses provide some tentative principles of part-whole task relationships relevant to the understanding of skilled performance.