PDFE #10

This PDFE assignment focused on a lab performed during class time that helped the class members better understand the results of constant and varied practice. The differences in constant and varied practice schedules gives reason to the differences in results that constant and varied practice schedules yield. In constant practice, one variation of a task is focused on. This task is repeated over and over again giving a person a lot of practice on that one task. Varied practice allows someone to practice different variations of a certain task. Although both are focused only on one task, varied practice gives practice in more various situations a person may encounter during a game or performance. Varied practice usually results in a better performance and better skill retention. Constant practice may give great results at practice, but these results often do not carry over into performance situations because it is not likely for that one variation of a task that was practiced to be the only one that will be addressed. In this lab, we were paired with another class member. One member focused on constant practice by throwing a bean bag at a target from the same distance each trial. The second member of the lab pair focused on varied practice by throwing a bean bag at a target from 3 different distances throughout the trials. Each class member, whether they focused on constant or varied practice, threw the bean bag 15 times in each trial. 3 trials were performed meaning that the bean bag was thrown a total of 45 times during practice. A 1 minute break between each trial was taken. After the 3 trials, a 5 minute break was taken. After the break, a test was performed to see which kind of practice yielded the best results. The test consisted of each class member throwing the bean bag to the target from the same distance of 5 meters. Both my lab partner’s and my results for the retention test was very similar. I only got one more point that my partner, and I was the participant focused on constant practice. The results did not match my expectations seeing as varied practice tends to yield the best results. I think that the main reason for these results is the fact that the test consisted of a constant throwing distance. In general, test situations for a certain skill will not be this constant.. This gives reason why varied practice is considered to be the best. If the retention test consisted of throwing from varied distances, I am confident that the results for the test would have backed up the information presented in the lab/chapter readings. Other factors besides the kind of practice performed that could affect performance include the following: distraction during practice or testing, being in a close proximity to other class members, having an injury to an area of the body important for practice and testing (shoulder, arm, hand, etc.), fatigue due to previous exercise before the lab was performed, getting tired of performing the repetitive movements for 45 throws, etc.