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25 - Observational Motor Learning

from Part V - Learning and Development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2016

By
Heather McGregor  and
Paul L. Gribble
Edited by
Sukhvinder S. Obhi  and
Emily S. Cross
Sukhvinder S. Obhi
Affiliation:
McMaster University, Ontario
Emily S. Cross
Affiliation:
Bangor University
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Summary

Abstract

To survive, we must interact with an ever-changing world. Our capacity to move accurately in a range of environments lies in the brain’s ability to flexibly modify our motor behavior. For example, simply holding an object in the hand changes the arm’s dynamic environment. That is, the additional weight of the object changes the relationship between applied forces and motion such that the brain’s motor commands and muscle forces no longer result in the intended arm movement. In order to skillfully manipulate the object, the brain must alter its motor commands to compensate for the object’s weight and achieve a desired movement. Subsequent movements are improved with time and practice; this process is called motor learning. While many of our motor skills are acquired and refined through active physical practice, we can also learn how to make movements by observing others. This is referred to as observational motor learning. This chapter will begin with a brief overview of modern studies of human motor learning, followed by a discussion of how these concepts relate to observational motor learning.

Type
Chapter
Information
Shared Representations
Sensorimotor Foundations of Social Life
 , pp. 525 - 540
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2016

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