The automaticity of complex motor skill learning as a function of attentional focus

The present experiment was designed to test the predictions of the constrai ned-action hypothesis. This hypothesis proposes that when performers utiliz e an internal focus of attention (focus on their movements) they may actual ly constrain or interfere with automatic control processes that would norma lly regulate the movement, whereas an external focus of attention (focus on the movement effect) allows the motor system to more naturally self-organi ze. To test this hypothesis, a dynamic balance task (stabilometer) was used with participants instructed to adopt either an internal or external focus of attention. Consistent with earlier experiments, the external focus grou p produced generally smaller balance errors than did the internal focus gro up and responded at a higher frequency indicating higher confluence between voluntary and reflexive mechanisms. In addition, probe reaction times (RTs ) were taken as a measure of the attention demands required under the two a ttentional focus conditions. Consistent with the hypothesis, the external f ocus participants demonstrated lower probe RTs than did the internal focus participants, indicating a higher degree of automaticity and less conscious interference in the control processes associated with the balance task.