Can observational practice facilitate error recognition and movement production?

Two experiments are reported that examined the usefulness of observational learning fm acquiring both en or detection and movement production capabili ties. In both experiments, individuals were assigned to a no-practice, phys ical-practice, or observational practice condition. Those assigned to a phy sical-practice condition acted as models for those assigned as observers. I n both experiments, models were administered a random practice of three ser ial key-press tasks that had the same spatial pattern and same relative tim ing requirement but differed in the overall time goal. During the retention test, individuals provided estimates of their overall time after each tria l. Data from these experiments revealed that error detection and overall ti me specification were similar following observation and physical practice. However; data from Experiment 2 indicated that physical practice offered an advantage beyond that afforded via observation, with regard to acquiring t he appropriate relative time pattern. These data are discussed with respect to the role of observation for learning movement recognition and productio n processes.