The role of muscular tensions in stylus maze learning.

Changes in distribution of muscular tension during psychomotor performance.

“…This result implies a decrease in tension in body members less directly involved, a finding that was confirmed in a study by Henderson (6). A different kind of result has been obtained in several seemingly diverse experiments such as the studies of Davis (2), Malmo, Shagass, and Davis (7), Meyer (8), Smith (10), and Stroud (11). In each of these experiments, changes in muscular tension were found to be related to degree of learning or to variables suggesting changes in the motivation of S. It therefore seems reasonable to hypothesize that changes in generalized tension will accompany changes in proficiency of performance.…”

The relation of magnitude of galvanic skin responses and resistance levels to the rate of learning.

“…One is the factors that make for efficient learning of nonsense syllables. Undoubtedly, from the above correlations the tension in the individual is a factor, as is substantiated by Bill's (18) and Stroud's (19) findings on the relation of muscular tension to the efficiency of learning; however, there are numerous other factors related to the efficiency of learning nonsense syllables such as previous practice, intelligence, or rather, memorizing ability, attitude of the subject, method of attack, etc. Secondly, there are numerous factors that influence the gross resistance level of an individual; Richter (11) says; "These changes (resistance levels) are further correlated with the mental condition of the individual, varying with degrees of tenseness or strain, with sleep, and with all other normal diurnal changes in mood and disposition."…”

Cross-sectional area of maze pathways in relation to learning by rats.

“…For instance, in the present experiments it is entirely plausible that the smaller number of errors on the narrow treadway resulted from such factors as better opportunity for using vision on this maze than in the enclosed alley maze, the greater likelihood of falling which, acting as a mild punishment, served to inhibit general exploration and retracing, or to still other factors or combination of factors that have to do with the animals' utilization of cues [cf. Stroud's muscle tension facilitation concept (6)] afforded by the general experimental setting and performing in a manner that is commensurate with their knowledge of the maze [cf. Blodgett's study of latent learning (2)].…”