Exploring the Dynamic Nature of Contextual Interference: Previous Experience Affects Current Practice But Not Learning

ABSTRACTThere is evidence that the learning benefits of contextual interference (CI) are moderated by experience, yet we do not know if these experiences are related to specific practice with random schedules. In two experiments, CI practice schedule was manipulated on Day 1. We evaluated its impact on 3 new tasks on Day 2; in the same or different practice schedule (Experiment 1) or when participants chose their practice (Experiment 2). Typical CI effects were observed for both sets of tasks, although on Day 2, there were no longer any costs from random practice. Previous practice affected how practice was scheduled. The prior random group switched more than the prior blocked group. Although switching was related to retention, overall the groups did not differ. Therefore, specific experiences with a method of practice influence later choices about how to practice, performance in practice, but not necessarily what is retained.