Introductory

Motor Learning and Development Lab

Laboratory Equipment & Test Procedures. Motor learning and control historically
has built its discipline through laboratory research. This has led to the evolution of
basic motor learning and control concepts. In many instances, equipment that is
rather simple in nature has been used for this research. Some of the more common
pieces of equipment include rotory pursuit, mirror tracer, and stability platform.
Many early motor learning and control researchers constructed their own
equipment. Now, it is commercially produced and standard equipment in a well
designed laboratory. With the development of college and university motor
learning and control laboratories, a unique teaching opportunity has become
available-learning motor and control principles through hands-on experimentation.
In this way, you not only acquire a basic content taught in the lecture class, but also
gain valuable experience in the research process. This involves: 1) conducting the
experiment; 2) collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, and 3) writing a final
report.
As the discipline of motor learning and control evolved, it became apparent that
several pieces of equipment were especially valuable for motor learning and control
research. The equipment listed in this lab is the most common type.
Purpose. To provide a brief description for setting up the equipment for motor
learning, development, and control labs.
Stability Platform
The stability platform task is a dynamic balance task. The object is keeping the
stability platform as level as possible during each trial. The stability platform is
connected to a controller box. The controller is designed to regulate the duration of
a trial and an inter trial interval that ensures that the clock /counter measure the
subject performance for the duration of the trial only. Once the trial is completed,
the controller can be set for a designed rest period and automatic start of the next
trial.
The test procedure you are to set up is a 15-second trial followed by a 30 second
rest period. This pattern of trials followed by a rest period is to be repeated 3 times.
The task is started by having the subject stand on the balance board with his/her
dominant foot pressing on down one side of the board. Once instructed to begin the
trial, the subject attempts to balance the board as horizontal as possible during the
15-second trial. Next 30-second rest period (inter trial) is taken. After about 25
seconds the subject resumes the starting position for the next trial. At the
completion of each trial, the investigators records the subjects relapse time on-
balance.
Linear Movement Apparatus

The linear movement apparatus resembles a measuring stick. It has a long runway
that is 3.5 feet long. It is used to measure temporal and spatial memory. The
apparatus consists of a handle mounted on a pipe. The subject moves that handle a
specific distance or speed. The distance moved is electronically monitored by
equipment and displayed in millimeters. Timing is measured by using two magnetic
micro-switches to start and stop a clock/counter.
There are two linear movement test procedures. One involves trying to duplicate
several specified distances (spatial) while the other involves moving to the stop
located at a set distance in a set time (temporal).
Spatial procedure. The linear movement apparatus has block that the experimenter
can move any specified location. The subject is blindfolded and presented series of
movements that are located along the linear movement apparatus. The locations
are presented by placing the block at the specified location and the subject moves
the slide to the location. The task requires the subject to recall the exact distances
moved in order at a later time.
In the starting position, the handle is resting at 0. Upon command, the subject
moves the handle unit contact the block. The location of the block (i.e., 10 cm , 15
cm) is manipulated by the investigator and is based on the specific instructions
presented in the each lab. Once the subject contact the block, then he or she is told
to move back to the staring position (i.e., 0 cm) and wait for the command to move
to the next location. This procedure continues until the subject has moved to all the
criterion locations then the investigator wants the subject to recall the distance
location but the investigator would start the subject at a different start location
other than 0 cm. The objective is to recall the distance (spatial) and starting at a
different location requires one to move the distance and rules out the possibility
that the subject is using time to contact (TAU) as way to recall.
Temporal procedure. The object of the task is to move the handle from 0 cm to the
stop block located some distance away in a certain time (i.e., 0 to 45 cm in 300
millisecond). The linear movement apparatus is connected to a clock/counter and
measure the subjects movement time from the start to the designated distance. At
the completion of the trial, the investigator records the time and resets the clock.
The subjects performance is determined by subtracting the movement time from
the criterion time (i.e., if the subject moved the 45 distance in 350 ms and criterion
was 300 then the subject score would be 50 ms).
Rotary Pursuit Task
The rotary pursuit measure visual tracking and hand eye coordination. The
objective of the task is to race a target light with a photocell wand. The speed of the
target light moves (rpms), trial duration, number of trials, and inter-trial period
(rest) can be set. Three interchangeable patterns (circle, triangle, square) may be
used for this task. The task is scored by the length of time on target during the trial.
Test procedure

The goal of the task is to stay in contact with the light as long as possible during
the trial (e.g. 20 second trial). The speed (rpm) of the rotating light differs with each
lab. The speeds are provided in the procedures sections of each lab. In general, the
faster the speed, the more difficult the task.
The subject begins each trail holding the stylus in a stationary position in the top
right corner of the apparatus. When given the command start, the subject begins
tracking the rotating light with the stylus for the duration of the trial. At the
completion of the trial, the subject is instructed to stop tracking the light and
returns the stylus to the beginning location. At the completion of each trial, the
investigator records the time and the controller resets for the next trial.
Mirror Tracer
The mirror tracer involves tracing a star pattern with a tracing stylus. The goal is to
complete rapidly the star trace with a few errors as possible. The number of errors
can be automatically scored by the apparatus (stylus touching the boarders of the
metal star).
Procedures
The mirror tracer hand-eye coordination task is administered in two ways, the
mirror, 1) in place, and 2) detached. A trial equals tracking one complete star. The
trial starts with the stylus at the top of the star and moves toward the eastern point
and downward toward the bottom of the star and then toward the western point,
back to the beginning position. At the completion of each trial, the investigator
resets the counter on the apparatus.
The task can be administered with the mirror detached or in place. When the
mirror is attached to the star tracer, the object is the same except that subject looks
through the mirror while tracing the star. The use of the mirror requires the subject
to transfer the task of tracing the star to a new task.
The mirror tracers control unit automatically records the number of errors- the
number of time the subject goes outside the path of the star. The subjects score is
the number of errors committed during a tracing of the star.
Bassin Anticipation Timer
The Bassin Anticipation Timer consists of a control unit, lighted runway, and a
response button. The objective of the task is to time a subjects response to coincide
with the arrival of a target light at the end of the runway. The subject responds to
the presentation of the light sequence by pushing the response button located at the
end of the runway. The light sequence travels down the runway at different
velocities per hour. The velocities can be set to be constant, accelerate, or
decelerate. The controller can set the velocity, what light would be lit or occluded,
foreperiod, and rest period. At the completion of each trial, the investigator records
the score. The controller will then reset automatically for the next trial.

For the Bassin Anticipation Timer where the velocity can be set to accelerate or
decelerate, the start and ending speed needs to be the same for a constant velocity.
The unit of measure of the Anticipation Timer is error the difference between the
true time and the subjects response. This is the amount of time the subject fails to
coincide with the target light. The score is expressed in millisecond and early or
late. The time is displayed on the controller as early or late.
Testing Procedure
A warning signal light initiates each trial, followed by a light sequence traveling
down the runway at a set velocity. The warning signal (foreperiod) should be
randomly adjusted from trial to trial (.5 to 4 seconds). At the completion of each
trial, the controller will indicate the subjects score.
Choice Reaction Timer
Reaction time (RT) is the time that elapses between the presentation of a stimulus
(light presentation) and the initiation of a response (subject begins to lift fingers
from a RT key). Choice reaction time (CRT) is RT for a task with multiple responses
and the selection of response is based on the stimulus presented. Reaction time
should increase when the number of choice responses increases. By presenting
precues or information about the upcoming stimulus that decreases the number of
choice responses, the RT should decrease. The equipment used to measure choice
RT includes a CRT control panel, a stop clock, and a four light subject reaction box.
The four colored lights are labeled right long, right short, left short, left long in order
to provide the subject with pre-cue information.
Pressing the middle key on the controller starts the task. The investigator to
prepare for a response by starting ready informs the subject. Then a foreperiod
ranging from .5 to 4 seconds is given. The foreperiod is randomly set. When one of
the lights is presented, the subject lifts his/her finger and moves to the light. The
investigator is responsible for the color, the precue sequencing for each trial, and
the number of trials to be administered. There is not set intertrial period (rest)
between trials. At the completion of each trial, the investigator must reset the clock.
The unit of measure is the elapsed time by the subject to respond to the
presentation of the light stimulus. The measured RT expressed in millisecond is
taken from the stop clock that is connected to the reaction timer apparatus.
MOART Timer
The Multi-Operational Apparatus for Reaction Time (MOART) is an integrated,
versatile device used for the study of cognitive processing. It can perform a wade
range of tests including reaction time, choice reaction time, reaction/movement
time, and tapping tests. The MOART features state of the art touch sensitive
keypads for ultra-accurate reaction time with no key travel errors. It also uses tri-
color stimulus lights and dual tone generation, giving it high degree of versatility in

stimulus presentation. Combined with the PsymCon control panel, it can provide six
highly adaptable tests that will find use in any motor behavior laboratory.
The MOART front panel uses an ergonomic design for the button layout. The design
is based on established normal distances for tapping test and published standards
for reaction time experiments. Each key site features a tri-color LED stimulus light.
The light can be set for red or green. The main key site at the bottom of the panel
(CO) uses two separate lights, which allows greater flexibility when presenting
stimuli. Each key site is labeled on the panel and these labels are referenced in both
the control hardware and software to set up the various experiments.
Simple Reaction Time Procedure using MOART
The response key is restricted to the CO key. The stimulus is restricted to the CO
lights (green or red) or tone. The Cue stimulus is restricted to the C5 lights or tone.
A choice of two or more stimuli is presented. If the go stimulus is presented, the
subject responds as quickly as possible. Here are the steps in setting a simple
reaction time experiment when using the manual controller:
1) The researcher presses button 3 (simple reaction time).
2) Select the user to set the go stimulus for the test. The stimulus can be a
combination of choices (e.g., red light with low tone).
3) Do not react screen. This selection can be skipped with no selection being made.
4) Stimulus odds screen. This selection can be skipped with no selection being
made.
5) Reaction button setup screen: The touch keys on the panel can be configured as
press to respond or release to respond using the menu choice in this screen. The
response key is always CO when running a simple reaction time experiment. With a
press to respond, the subject starts with their finger off of the key and presses the
key upon stimulus presentation. With release to respond the subject starts with
the finger on the key and lifts it upon the presentation of the stimulus. The release
to respond typically gives a more accurate reaction time as it does not have a
movement component integrated into the result as the press to respond protocol.
6) Select a cue screen. Allow the user to select the cue stimulus for the test. The cue
is always the C5 light and/or tone when running simple reaction time experiments.
Only one light may be selected as a cue although it may be paired with a tone. If the
tone is used as a stimulus for the test, it may not be selected as cue. This screen may
be skipped with no selection being made if no cue is desired.
7) Cue delay select screen (foreperiod). Allow the user to set the cue delay for the
test. The resolution for the cue delay is 0.1 seconds with a maximum setting of 25.5
seconds. The random cue setting can also be enabled. The random time will fall
between times and 2 times the setting on the screen. The maximum and

minimum limits of the random cue period are displayed at the bottom of the screen
for reference.
8) Trial timeout selection screen (rest period between trials). Allow the user to set
the timeout time. If no response is made within the time selected, an error is
indicated for the trial. The time is selected from 0.1 to 25.5 seconds in 0.1-second
increments. The timeout setting defaults to 3.0 seconds on startup.
9) Test screen. Summarizes the test as setup from the menus and displays the trial
results. The first two lines of the screen indicate the stimulus and cue parameters
selected for the trial. These settings will update on the onset of each trial if random
parameters are being used. The stimulus line will also indicate if a go or no go
stimulus is being presented.
10) Trial results. After the trial, the RT line will show the results of the trial in
seconds and the MSG line will indicate a successful trial or an error. If an error
occurs, the MSG line will specify the error and the EADAR will indicate an errant
key, if applicable. The ET line indicates the time when the error occurred.
11) How to start the trial. Trials are executed by pressing the button 5 while in the
test screen.
Dual Tapping Test Procedure using the MOART
1) Press button 8 from main menu
2) Tapping button select screen. Designates the key pairs to be used for test. The
keys must be selected in the pairs set in the menu. Only one pair of keys can be
selected at a time.
3) Outer button setup screen. The response key on the reaction panel feature dual
response zones. This allows the accuracy of the taps to be monitored if required.
The outer button setup screen determines if the outer rim of the tap keys will be
recorded as a correct response or as an accuracy error.
4) Light above buttons. Allow the lights above the tap keys to be turned on during
the trial, if desired.
5) Tone for end of trial. Allow the tone to be activated for the end of trial time. This
lets the subject know when the trial has ended.
6) Select cue screen. Allows user to select the cue stimulus for test. The cue is
always light C5 and/or tone when running dual key tap experiments.
7) Cue delay select screen. Allows the user to set the cue delay for the test. The
resolution for the cure delay is 0.1 seconds with a maximum setting of 25.5 seconds.
The random cue setting can also be enabled. The random time will fall between
and 2 times the settings on the screen.

8) Trial timeout selection screen. Allows the user to set the length of the tapping
trial. The time is selectable from 1 to 255 seconds in 1-second increments. The
timeout setting defaults to 30 seconds on startup.
9) Test screen. Summarizes the test from the menus and displays the trial results.
The first lines of the screen indicate the times, stimulus, and cue parameters
selected for the trial. These settings will update on the onset of each trial if random
parameters are being used.
10) Trial Results. The total number of taps are shown in the B1 and B2 line of
the test screen. If the outer rim error detection is enabled, the tap amounts will
divide between the center key and outer rim. These totals will be shown on the B1,
OUT 1, and B2, OUT2 lines. The total taps for the trial can be found by adding
the four lines together.
11. How to start the trial. Trials are executed by pressing the button 5 on the test
screen. If random parameters are used for the trial, they will update on the onset of
each trial. Trial results can be rest or a trial can be interrupted by pressing the
RESET button (8). Interrupted trials will not return any results.
Simple reaction/movement time test on the MOART.
Simple. The subject rests their finger on the CO key. After a stimulus is presented,
the subject lifts their finger off the CO key and taps the C5 key as quickly as possible.
GO/NO GO: The subject rests their finger on the CO key. If the GO stimulus is
presented, the subject lifts their finger off the CO key and taps the C5 key as quickly
as possible. If the NO GO stimulus is presented, the subject keeps their finger on
the CO key.
Setup Procedure.
1) Press button 5 on the menu
2) Select stimulus screen. Allows the user to set the GO stimulus for the test. The
stimulus can be a combination of the choices (e.g. red light with low tone). The
exception is the high tone and low tone cannot both be selected.
3) Do not react on screen. Allow the user to set the NO GO stimulus for the test.
This listing takes up two different menu screens. Any combination of stimulus may
be used, but the GO stimulus cannot be selected as a NO GO. This screen also
determines the number of different stimulus possibilities that will be used during
the test. To get back to the Stimulus Select Screen from this screen, the menu must
be advanced to the Stimulus Odds screen and then returned back to the stimulus
screen by pressing the BACK button.
4. Stimulus Odds screen. Calculates the odds of presenting a GO stimulus. The
odds are calculated based on the total number of possible stimuli as selected from
GO and NO GO settings. For example, if three NO GO stimuli are selected, the

odds of a GO stimulus will be 1 in 4 or 25%. If NO GO stimuli are selected, the odds

will always be 100%. The odds for presenting the GO stimulus can be adjusted
using the menu screen.
5) Outer button setup screen. The response keys on the reaction panel feature dual
response zones. This allows the accuracy of the response to be monitored if
required. The outer button setup screen determines if the outer rim of the response
key will be recorded as a correct response or as an accuracy error.
6) Select cue screen. Allow the user to select the cue stimulus for the test. The cue is
always the C5 light and/or tone when running simple reaction time experiments.
Only one light may be selected as a cue although it may be paired with a tone. If the
tone is used as a stimulus for the test, it may not be selected as cue. This screen may
be skipped with no selection being made if no cue is desired.
7) Cue delay select screen. Allow the user to set the cue delay for the test. The
resolution for the cue delay is 0.1 seconds with a maximum setting of 25.5 seconds.
The random cue setting can also be enabled. The random time will fall between
times and 2 times the setting on the screen. The maximum and minimum limits of
the random cue period are displayed at the bottom of the screen for reference.
8) Trial timeout selection screen. Allows the user to set the length of the tapping
trial. The time is selectable from 1 to 255 seconds in 1-second increments. The
timeout setting defaults to 30 seconds on startup.
9) Test screen. Summarizes the test as setup from the menus and displays the trial
results. The first two lines of the screen indicate the stimulus and cue parameters
selected for the trial. These settings will update on the onset of each trial if random
parameters are being used. The stimulus line will also indicate if a go or no go
stimulus is being presented.
10) Trial results. After the test, the RT line will show the RT results of the trial in
seconds and the MT line will show the movement time results. The MSG line will
indicate a successful trial or an error. If an error occurs, the MSG line will specify
the error and the EADR will indicate the errant key, if applicable. The ET line
will indicate the time when the error occurred.
11) How to start a trial. Trials are executed by pressing the button 5 while in the
Test Screen. If random parameters are used for the trial, they will update on the
onset of each trial. Trial results can be reset or pressing the RESET button can
interrupt a trial.