The Effects of Based on Error Learning and Practice Variability on Performance Accuracy and Mental Effort

The use of mental effort in variable practice and errorless training is different, as the reason for the increase in learning skills increase the error in the variable practice, while the optimal result of the practice in the errorless practice is due to the reduction of mental effort in it. The aim of this study was investigating the effect of cognitive effort in variability of practice and implicit learning using both of these learning methods on a complex task and under equal conditions of a cognitive secondary task. For this reason, 72 students were divided to six groups with 12 persons per each group of errorless-variable, errorful-variable, errorless-constant, errorful-constant, control-constant, control-variable. All groups in pre-test, three practice days, acquisition, retention and secondary transfer tests. Participants of errorful-variable group practiced in distances of 3.5, 3.25, 3, 2.75, 2.5 meters respectively, errorless-variable group practiced in the same and conversely distances, while errorless-constant, errorful-constant and control-constant only practiced in 2.5, 3.5 and 3 meters, respectively and control-variable practiced randomly all the distances. For analyzing of throwing accuracy, mixed Variance analysis (3*3) (group*day) in acquisition stage and (3*4) (group*test) in test stage were used with significant level of 0.05. In retention test, there were significant differences between errorless-variable and errorful-variable (P=0.001), errorful-constant (P=0.002) and control-constant (P=0.006). In transfer test, there were significant differences between errorless-variable and errorful-variable (P=0.001), errorful-constant (P=0.0001) and control-constant (P=0.002). Finally, it was concluded that errorless and control-variable practice methods can be suggested to trainers, Therapist for teaching of motor skills.