COGNITIVE MULTIPLICITY IN POLYRHYTHMIC PATTERN PERFORMANCE

The performance of 4 forms of a 4:3 polyrhythm by 3 experienced percus sionists using a synchronous protocol was examined. The percussionists were able to selectively apply different production models to their p erformance, and the authors show that these can be systematically elab orated in cognitive terms using structural equation modeling. All mode ls were found to be variants of a general hierarchical standard model, which is based on a clock pulse, motor delay variables, subdivision v ariables, and certain basic covariance assumptions. Size of cognitive ground (fundamental clock pulse) was the primary variable affecting pr oduction; control processes were predominantly hand independent. The g round-associated hand showed better accuracy and consistency than the nonground (figure) hand for within-hand intervals. In contrast, ground hand motor delay variances were larger than corresponding figure hand variances.