ISSN:
1469-8986
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
,
Psychology
Notes:
The effects of motivational variables on learned heart rate speeding and slowing were investigated. Undergraduate volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups which received feedback tasks differing in difficulty, i.e., a median target display (50% of all heart intervals would be successful based on no-feedback performance) and a quartile target (25% predicted success), Equal subgroups received either a monetary reward for successful performance or received no supplementary incentive. The results indicated that directional changes in heart rate could be achieved with simple instructions, and that heart rate control performance was generally superior under incentive conditions. Speeding showed overall improvement over feedback sessions, and over trials for the median target group. Slowing performance showed no general improvement over sessions and no effects of target. The effects of incentives on heart rate slowing were strongest on trial periods when subjects were under instructions to reduce heart rate, but no feedback display was presented. The results are interpreted within a skills learning conception of cardiac rate control training.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.1976.tb00848.x
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