The functional equivalence of kinesthetic imagery and movement in short-term memory of force information

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the functional equivalence of movement and kinesthetic imagery in short-term memory experiment using an isometric force task. The dependent variables were the constant error (CE), and the variable error (VE) made by 78 male undergraduate students, who attempted to reproduce a criterion force (15 kg) at delayed (30 sec.) recall test. The 30sec-retention intervals were filled with imaging or performing either the criterion force or the different force to the criterion force (maximum or 70% of maximum). It was predicted that if movement and kinesthetic imagery are functionally equiva1ent, similar recall error should occur at recall. The results showed that imaging different force did not produce a bias comparable to that produced by performing different force (assimilation effect), while imaging and performing different force produced significrint1y higher variability of recall than imaging and performing the criterion force. These findings suggest that kinesthetic imagery is functionally equivalent to actual movement in terms of the VE, but not in terms of the CE. These findings were discussed by a dual-process of interference hypothesis (Ito) which suggests the different interference effects at the central and the peripheral locus.