A THEORY OF THE ACQUISITION OF SPEED-SKILL∗

TLDR

Recent research suggests that manual speed‑skill acquisition follows a selective action process, with implications for training. The study develops a formal theoretical model of speed‑skill acquisition and compares its predictions with experimental data. The authors construct a formal model of selective action in speed‑skill acquisition, outline its complications and conclusions, and discuss the underlying selective mechanism. The research was sponsored by the Medical Research Council, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Joint Committee on Individual Efficiency in Industry, and funded by Counterpart Funds from U.S.

Abstract

Abstract Recent researches are cited which suggest that the acquisition of manual speed-skill proceeds by a certain type of selective action. A formal theoretical model is developed, and its predictions compared with the experimental results. Certain complications of the theory, and conclusions from it are outlined, and the nature of the selective mechanism is discussed. Some implications for training are indicated. Notes ∗The research was sponsored by the Medical Research Council, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Joint Committee on Individual Efficiency in Industry, and financed from Counterpart Funds derived from United States Economic Aid.