Effects of Mental Practice on the Acquisition of Critical Psychomotor Skills in Recruit Police Officers

Mental practice has been utilized in a variety of experiments and in a number of specific activities. Results obtained in experiments yielded inconsistent findings leading researchers to believe efficacy can only be discerned in controlled application of techniques. No research has been conducted in examining the application of mental imagery to police marksmanship training. In that regard, the problems inherent in bringing this technique to bear needed to be defined by this study. In this study, various experimental procedures were tested to define techniques for utilizing mental imagery to improve the marksmanship skills of recruit police officer trainees. A series of audio-tape guided imagery sessions were provided to the treatment group while the control group engaged in a neutral distraction activity. Self-directed imagery sessions were prescribed for the treatment group during the evening hours. A pre-test post-test experimental design was utilized. The participants were tested for relative imagery ability using a previously published instrument. The study suggested several alterations to the methods used, and proved beneficial in defining the proper procedures to use when examining the efficacy of mental imagery with an appropriately large group. Subjective reports from participants indicated a great degree of acceptance of the technique. Among the participants, mental imagery was found to be an acceptable training intervention for marksmanship skill building. Belief in the imagery training process, and completing the self-directed sessions, was viewed by the subjects as essential for the treatment to work.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Whetstone, Thomas Stewart

Contributors dc:contributor

• Johnson, Scott D.

• Education, Adult and Continuing
• Education, Educational Psychology
• Sociology, Criminology and Penology
• Education, Vocational

Identifier

(UMI)AAI9329198

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/71953