Variations in relative frequency of knowledge of performance for learning a closed skill

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of variations in relative frequency of KP on learning a multi degree-of-freedom closed sport skill. Specifically, two groups of subjects (n=17 per group) receiving either 100% relative frequency of KP or 33% relative frequency of KP learned the throw-in skill in soccer. It was hypothesized that a group receiving 33% relative frequency of KP would exhibit higher form scores in short term and long term retention and transfer tests than the 100% KP group.Each subject participated in a 30 trial acquisition phase and 5 trial retention and transfer tests immediately following acquisition, and 24 and 72 hours following acquisition. Results of Group by Trial ANOVAs on form scores in acquisition and each of the three retention and transfer tests resulted in significant Group main effects in each test due to higher form scores for the 33% KP group. The acquisition form score analysis revealed a significant Trial main effect, due to improvement in both groups across acquisition. It was concluded that while KP is necessary for guiding the learner to the desired movement pattern, reducing the relative frequency eliminated a possible dependency upon KP, which was beneficial for maintaining form in conditions where KP was absent.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.A.