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Toward a generalized theory of the shift to retrieval in cognitive skill learning
Open accessAbstract
Prior research on cognitive skill learning has shown that algorithmic and direct memory retrieval strategies are not executed in parallel if the algorithm entails a series of long-term memory (LTM) retrieval steps (as in the case, for example, of mental arithmetic). This phenomenon has been hypothesized to reflect a bottleneck in LTM retrieval processes that forces a strategy choice during an early stage of processing. Here, we investigate simple perceptual-motor algorithms that involve no memory retrieval steps, a largely unexplored case in which parallel strategy execution models remain viable. Pronounced strategy interference was again observed, albeit interference that was different in important respects from that observed for LTM retrieval algorithms. It appears that neither parallel nor choice models, as developed to date, are sufficient as a generalized theory of this skill learning phenomenon. Issues central to the development of a more comprehensive theory are discussed.
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“This is where CMPL theory differs from the race model by hypothesizing a two-stage model based on the transition between two different mechanisms.”
From Testing the three-stage model of second language skill acquisition (2025) · cites this paper as Bajic & Rickard, 2011
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Research works printed but not linked: 32
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Macnamara, B. N., Berber, I., Çavuşoğlu, M. C., Krupinski, E. A., Nallapareddy, N., Nelson, N. E., Smith, P. J., Wilson-Delfosse, A. L., & Ray, S. (2024) · Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications · doi:10.1186/s41235-024-00572-8 · Cited by 97
Testing the three-stage model of second language skill acquisition
Maie, R., & Godfroid, A. (2025) · Studies in Second Language Acquisition · doi:10.1017/s027226312500021x · Cited by 11
“The CMPL theory (Rickard, 1997; for a recent review, see Bajic & Rickard, 2011) similarly posits instance learning as the underlying mechanism.”
Metadata
- Authors
- Bajic, D., & Rickard, T. C.
- Affiliations
- University of California San Diego (US)
- Corresponding author
- Rickard, Timothy C.
- ORCID
- Rickard, Timothy C.
- Venue
- Memory & Cognition
- Published
- 2011-05-26
- Volume
- 39
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 1147-1161
- ISSN
- 0090-502X (ISSN-L)
- 1532-5946
- OpenAlex
- W1973925501
- Cited by
- 12
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 0.32
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Memory & Cognition (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory Processes and Influences
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Sport Psychology and Performance
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Motor Control and Adaptation
- Keywords
- cognitive skill learning, long-term memory retrieval, strategy selection, mental arithmetic, skill acquisition theory
- MeSH terms
- Algorithms, Cognition, Humans, Learning, Neuropsychological Tests, Psychological Theory, Reaction Time, Mental Recall, Young Adult, Memory, Long-Term
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