Internalizing the System Dynamics for a Second Order System (Internal Model, Tracking)

Subjects were divided into three groups and trained for over five hours to control a second order acceleration system. After training, the subjects were transferred to six experiments which tested characteristics of the internal model developed for the system dynamics. The internal model differed depending on the kind of training received. Two of the groups, the control and the point predictor groups, internalized the second order system incorrectly as a first order velocity system. Even though they could control the system well, they had many misconceptions about how the system actually worked. The third group, trained on a parabola predictor, developed an accurate internal model by internalizing the parabola cue. They could mentally manipulate the parabola even when not explicitly shown on the screen. Mental manipulation of the parabola image was useful for visualizing the effect a control input would have on the system output and it was useful for reducing the workload of the task. Because the parabola group was the only one of the three provided with a salient cue that showed the consistencies between control input and system output, it was concluded that consistent training is important for the development of imagery skills and the development of accurate internal models.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Eberts, Ray Edward

• Psychology, Experimental

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8409913

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/69633