Evidence for model-based action planning in a sequential finger movement task

J Mot Behav. 2010 Nov;42(6):371-9. doi: 10.1080/00222895.2010.526467.

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine whether and how humans use model-free, reflexive strategies and model-based, deliberative strategies in motor sequence learning. They asked subjects to perform the grid-sailing task, which required moving a cursor to different goal positions in a 5 × 5 grid using different key-mapping (KM) rules between 3 finger keys and 3 cursor movement directions. The task was performed under 3 conditions: Condition 1, new KM; Condition 2, new goal position with learned KM; and Condition 3, learned goal position with learned KM; with or without prestart delay time. The performance improvement with prestart delay was significantly larger under Condition 2. This result provides evidence that humans implement a model-based strategy for sequential action selection and learning by using previously learned internal model of state transition by actions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology*
  • Evoked Potentials, Motor / physiology
  • Female
  • Fingers / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Intention*
  • Male
  • Models, Neurological
  • Movement / physiology
  • Neurofeedback
  • Problem Solving*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Reference Values
  • Serial Learning / physiology*
  • Systems Theory
  • Young Adult