A novel keypress sequencing task is implemented in a study of observational learning and the associated aspects of observation. Implicit and Explicit learning systems are available to a learner during physical practice. Both relative and absolute features of movement are obtained when physically practicing a skill. The current work investigates whether such movements and skill acquisition can be learned through observation. Our study finds that explicit aspects of learning can be gained through observational learning. Further, observation provides a coded trace of skill acquisition, however, it is physical practice that is required to resource the parallel process of skill acquisition and learning.

Kirk A. ZihlmanBBA, 2003, The University of IowaM.S., 2006, Texas A&M University The author is a Sr. Research Coordinator and Health Science Specialist in the Texas Medical Center of Houston, TX. Current research interests are concentrated on post stroke recovery and exacerbation of acute heart failure.The author is author of three children.