Bilateral Transfer of Learning
Bilateral Transfer of Learning
Background
Experiments involving displaced vision have been widely used to investigate fundamental
methods by which motor control is achieved, the genetic development of muscular
coordination, adaptation in learning, bilateral transfer or “cross education,” the effect of
different intervals of practice upon the rate of improvement, interference, learning curves,
and so on. This particular study involves observing the establishment of new coordination
between motion and perception and utilizes one of the oldest and most used pieces of
equipment which have been designed from the study of motor learning. Mirror drawing
apparatus requires movement which is not in agreement with your established habits. Note
that the frequent change in direction of movement makes the task more difficult, requiring
constant alertness and adjustment even though the equal length of the sections furnish
regularity. Compare the effect of up-down and left-right relationships. The task is of
sufficient length to be reasonable difficult and yet not cause undue fatigue. The purpose of
this experiment is both to demonstrate the phenomenon of bilateral transfer and to
provide another example of the learning process.
***see cross crawl exercises (neurosensory integration)
***Looking in mirror – trace star backward
Key Concepts of the Lab
For this lab, discuss all of the following concepts: (1) limb-used as a parameter of a
generalized motor program from chapter 5, (2) transfer of learning from chapter 8, (3) and
speed-accuracy trade-off from chapter 6. Cite Liu and Wrisberg (2005) article for your
outside source.
Statement of the Problem
The problem is to determine the effect of unilateral practice on performance of the
relatively unpracticed contralateral limb.
Writing your Hypothesis (differentiate b/t Null and Alternative)
The subject will perform (choose one: better/worse/the same) after the practice sessions
when compared to the baseline
measurement.
Materials
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
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Mirror tracing apparatus with
counter
Stop watch
Stylus
Bilateral Transfer of Learning
Procedures
1. Set up the mirror tracing apparatus so that the S is facing the mirror.
2. S sits comfortably in front of the apparatus and adjusts the shield so that the star
pattern is visible to him/her only indirectly by looking at the upright mirror.
3. Using a sharp pencil, S traces the outline with his/her non-preferred hand, starting
on the arrow and moving in the direction indicated. S should not try to touch or
cross the lines bordering the pathway. He/she must keep his stylus in contact with
the metal plate. He must not lift the stylus from the metal plate. Should he/she move
outside of the border of the star, he/she should draw a line back near as possible to
the point of error, and continue. The E should time this baseline performance.
4. S traces 5 more patterns with his preferred hand using the star pattern provided. E
assures that the patterns are marked in proper sequence. The E should time each of
these performances.
5. S traces one more pattern with his non-preferred hand. Time the second
performance with the non-preferred hand.
6. Provide 30 second rest period between all trials.
Results
1. The counter will record the number of times the tracing line touches or goes outside
the lines of the star. Records these errors on the data sheet below.
2. Notes and record the time in seconds from completion of each trial.
3. Compute your score for each trial using the following formula:
Score =
Name of Subject:
Trial
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Hand
Non-Preferred
Preferred
Preferred
Preferred
Preferred
Preferred
Non-Preferred
100
𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠 + 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟𝑠
Date:
Errors
Time (s)
4. Compute percent improvement for the non-preferred hand:
Score
Bilateral Transfer of Learning
𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
(𝑆𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 7 − 𝑆𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 1 )𝑥 100
𝑆𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 7
5. Record your Trial 1 and Trial 7 scores on the in class data
6. Compute a Repeated Measures T-test for the class data, comparing scores from Trial
1 and Trial 7. (Notes: page 80 of lab manual outlines T-test procedures)
7. Create a bar graph showing the difference between Trial 1 and Trial 7.
Discussion
1. Describe subjectively the course of learning evidenced during the five trials with the
preferred hand.
2. We are all familiar with the displacement of vision that occurs when looking in a
mirror. It occurs when a man shaves or ties his tie, when a woman combs her hair or
puts on makeup. With this much practice on a task similar to the one you’ve just
done, how do you explain the difficulty you and your classmates encountered in this
experiment?
3. How can you account for the improvement you saw during this second performance
with the non-preferred, non-practiced hand improved? Discuss the concept of
bilateral transfer.
4. Depending on your primary concentration, provide two specific application
examples of the concept demonstrate in this experiment to:
a. Teaching and/or coaching
b. Rehabilitation and training
c. Exercise prescription and scheduling
*** transfer of learning: by practicing on one side...does that transfer over
References
Magill, R. A. (1989). Motor learning: Concepts and applications (3rd ed.). Dubuque, IA:
William C. Brown.
Schmidt, R. (1991). Motor learning and performance. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.