A Comparison of Schmidt's Schema Theory of Motor Learning and Previous Models of Motor Learning

In 1975, Schmidt proposed his Schema Theory of Motor Learning. This theory was produced as an alternative theory to Adams’ Closed Loop Theory (1971). Schmidt (1982, p.482) says “In 1975, largely due to my dissatisfaction with Adams’ position, I formulated a theory that can be considered a rival to Adams’.” Schmidt had concerns about Adams’ theory, that it didn’t place enough emphasis on open loop control processes. According to Schmidt (1982) a major limitation of this theory is that it focuses on slow, linear-positioning responses, which are not representative of the many other different kinds of skills we use in everyday life. Adams’ theory was based on the premise of perceptual and memory traces. The perceptual trace is a memory of how an action felt in the past and is compared to how the action being performed now feels. It includes proprioceptive, visual and auditory information. The memory trace is how the action is initiated, and leads to the use of the perceptual trace. If this is true then how can actions be executed that have never been performed before. Schmidt (1982) cites the studies by Taub (1976), Lashley (1917), and Taub & Berman (1968) as evidence to back up this point. These studies involved deafferentation in animals. This involves the surgical removal of different neurological pathways, yet it was found that accurate movement could still occur in the absence of feedback. The animals could still learn new skills. Schmidt (1982, p.481) states, “If the only mechanism for controlling skilled actions involved feedback in relationship to a perceptual trace, then these individuals should not have been able to produce the actions they did.” Schmidt also looks at the way Adams’ theory fits in with the literature on variability of practice. Adams’ theory predicts variability of practice sequences should be less effective in learning the criterion target than practice at the target itself. This is due to the fact that the perceptual trace is the

References: Adams, J.A. (1971). A closed-loop theory of motor learning. Journal of Motor Behaviour, 3, 111-150. Moxley, S.E. (1979). Schema : The variability of practice hypothesis. Journal of Motor Behaviour, 11, 65-70 Schmidt, R.A. (1982). Motor Control and Learning : a behavioural emphasis. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Chap. Schmidt, R.A. & Wrisberg, C.A. (2000). Motor learning and performance: A Problem based learning approach. Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics. P.245-251. Shapiro, D.C. & Schmidt, R.A. (1982). The schema theory : Recent evidence and developmental implications. In J.A.S. Kelso & J.E. Clark (Eds.) The development of movement control & co-ordination. London : J. Wiley & Sons Ltd Singer, R.N. (1980). Motor Learning and human performance. 3rd Edition. Macmillan, New York. P. 123-127.