The Implicit Learning Experiment

The Implicit Learning Experiment

Implicit and explicit learning are two learning processes with major differences in how people learn. The implicit learning process is fundamental. The knowledge or skills learned are mostly procedural and equip the learner with skills that enable them to the conditions within their environment. The learner may be aware of what they are learning or the entire learning process. Some of the implicitly learned knowledge and skills may include motor skills and recognition of patterns. Due to the lack of awareness of the learning process, learning is automatic and effortless, while the processing and retrieval of the implicitly learned knowledge information are majorly unconscious.

On the other hand, the explicit learning process requires the learner to be aware of the learning process and what they are learning. This means that the learning process is intentional and controlled while the knowledge processing is conscious. The learner is expected to invest in the learning process to retain the knowledge and skills they learn. The explicitly learned knowledge, such as concepts, language, and facts, can be retrieved as needed.

This paper presents a report on an implicit learning experiment that was carried out using CogLab. The aim of the experiment was to test whether the subjects could understand a pattern if they did not know what the pattern was.

Methods

I took the test using a computer with a physical keyboard. I first logged in to the lab. I ensured that I could see the entire area of the lab screen before starting the test. The lab screen after the login has regions, each labeled either A, B, C, and D. 20 blocks with 24 trials were run in the lab for a total of 20 mins. Each trial consisted of a circle occurring on either of the four labeled locations. I was required to indicate the location where the circle occurred by pressing different assigned keys on the keyboard. I pressed the [M] key to start a block of trials. The circle occurs in a max of 2 seconds. I pressed the key corresponding to the location of the circle as quickly as possible. The corresponding keys for locations A, B, C, and D are [Z], [X], [.], and [/], respectively.

Results

The lab results showed that in the first trials, I made the wrong selections and was also slow to select. However, after a number of repeated trials, the results showed improved results in selecting the right location of the stimuli quickly as they occurred, as if I had learned about the pattern of their occurrence.

Discussion

The lab results were as expected, as a repeated exercise was expected to help the subject learn where the stimuli were to occur. Evidence from gaming training proves the same on the existence of the underlying pattern that can unconsciously create knowledge on the order of locations (Kristoffersen et al., 2020). Remarkably, through the trials, it felt like I was learning the patterns of the circle. I also noticed that I could press the keys more quickly with each subsequent trial. I was surprised that I did not notice when the patterns changed. I got unknowingly slow, then got back to quickly pressing the keys. According to Batterink et al. (2019), learners can unconsciously learn patterns within their environment and adapt their behavior to these patterns. The results of the implicit learning experiment can be influenced by one’s attention span, motivation, prior knowledge of the test, and how fast the circle occurred across the location. Additionally, the results could be influenced by the complexity of the task and taking the test as a team, as collective intelligence has been found to influence the speed of learning (Aggarwal et al., 2019).

References

Aggarwal, I., Woolley, A. W., Chabris, C. F., & Malone, T. W. (2019). The impact of cognitive style diversity on implicit learning in teams. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(FEB), 112. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPSYG.2019.00112/BIBTEX

Batterink, L. J., Paller, K. A., & Reber, P. J. (2019). Understanding the Neural Bases of Implicit and Statistical Learning. Topics in Cognitive Science, 11(3), 482–503. https://doi.org/10.1111/TOPS.12420

Kristoffersen, M. B., Franzke, A. W., van der Sluis, C. K., Murgia, A., & Bongers, R. M. (2020). Serious gaming to generate separated and consistent EMG patterns in pattern-recognition prosthesis control. Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, 62, 102140. https://doi.org/10.1016/

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Instructions
The Implicit Learning Experiment
Using CogLab, perform the implicit learning experiment and create a report on the experiment.

In your report, write a brief introduction explaining the differences between implicit and explicit learning.

The Implicit Learning Experiment

Next, in the Methods section, describe the process that you followed to complete the experiment, including material requirements and a description of the stimuli. Make sure to include enough information so that others can also perform the same experiment successfully. Finally, describe the experimental results. Summarize your report, including answers to the following questions:

Were the results in accordance with your expectations? Provide a rationale to support your answer.
Did you feel like you were learning the patterns that occurred? Did your reaction time get faster with each attempt?
Did anything about the experiment surprise you? If yes, what?
What factors can influence the results of the implicit learning experiment?