Implicit Learning

1. Implicit Learning Alternate routes to expertise?

2. Knowledge & Learning • Learning • The process of acquiring knowledge • Knowledge • The end state; that which is demonstrably possessed by someone about something

3. Implicit and Explicit Knowledge • Explicit knowledge: knowledge that can be stated – you know you know. • Implicit knowledge: Knowledge that you can’t state. You don’t know it, but you know! • Can you have such a thing as implicit knowledge? Is it an oxymoron? • Think of movement skill examples. Are there things you know that you don’t know you know???

4. Implicit and Explicit Learning • Explicit learning: deliberate learning that one is consciously aware of • Implicit learning: learning that is acquired without awareness • Can we learn without awareness?

5. X Research into implicit learning • Sequence Learning (e.g. Nissen & Bullemer, 1987, Curren & Keele, 1993, and a hundered others) • Serial reaction time task Computer screen • The task was to hit the key (corresponding to where the “X” appeared) as fast as possible. • Unknown to participants, the appearance was based on an underlying sequence (8-12 items long) • Over time, people might get faster due to anticipation of this sequence • The question is, would the improvement be accompanied by explicit knowledge of the sequence? Response key pad

6. Research into implicit learning • Sequence Learning • Serial reaction time task – approx. findings • In many cases, the sequence group were unable to report the sequence, despite vast improvements in RT • Seemed to have something to do with the complexity of the sequence, and the length of practice

7. Research into implicit learning • “Intuitive Physics” (Krist et al., 1993) Height of release Tennis ball Landing area Side view 70 cm Throwing device Participant Top view 90 cm Target distance

8. Research into implicit learning • “Intuitive Physics” (Krist et al., 1993) • 5-6 yr olds, 10-yr olds, and adults did not differ in their ability to project the ball appropriate distances towards the target • They did differ in their estimate of the appropriate speed of release, using machine below

9. Research into implicit learning • Tracking tasks (Pew, 1974, Magill, 1990, but see also Chamberon et al., 2006) One repeating segment among two that do not repeat (random layered sine waves)

10. Research into implicit learning • Tracking tasks (Pew, 1974, Magill, 1990, but see also Chamberon et al., 2006) Repeated segment – absolute error (inverted accuracy)

11. Research into implicit learning • Green & Flowers (1991) – “catching” • Do you tell people the rule, or not? 300 ms

12. Research into implicit learning • Golf putting (Masters, 1992, Hardy et al., 1996 and your readings) Masters, 1992 Test phase (secondary task)

13. Research into implicit learning • Golf putting (Masters, 1992, Hardy et al., 1996 and your readings) Hardy, Mullen, & Jones, 1996 Test phase (secondary task)

14. Reasons for implicit learning • Brain structure • Patient H. M. • Memory is “a distinct cerebral function”, supported by particular pieces of the brain • Zola-Morgan & Squire (1993; Annual Review of Neuroscience) • The H+A+ lesion (hippocampus, amygdala, and some associated cortex) • Formation of new memories requires medial temporal lobe structures • Short term memory not affected (digit span, etc)

15. Reasons for implicit learning • Brain structure • Zola-Morgan & Squire (1993; Annual Review of Neuroscience) • Motor memory is still possible with damage to this system • Patient H. M. again: http://mazeworks.com/hanoi/