Timing and Anticipation

Abstract

The present study examined the development of timing and coincident anticipation, whereby subjects moved a slide control to direct a cursor to intercept a target. An equal number of males and females (N=120 each) comprised the following age groups: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, and 18-19 yr. Age, sex, and trials constituted the independent variables, with dependent measures of absolute, constant, and variable error. Each person completed60 trials, with complete target view present in the first 40 trials. The target disappeared from view shortly after initial movement in Trials 41-60. Each older age group performed, with less error than the next younger age group, with the exception of the equal skill level of the two oldest groups. Males outperformed females, and target masking resulted in significant decrements in performance. Information processing mechanisms that may be responsible are discussed.