The proposed research tests the assumption that human performance in domains such as speech, music, and typing involves the construction of mental representations. A cognitive theory of human performance must combine a) mental structures and units of knowledge with b) cognitive retrieval processes for their organization and implementation in performance. Theories of performance can be tested through study of production errors: performance breakdowns resulting in unintended output. A successful theory will specify the kinds of errors likely to occur, constraints on the forms that errors take, and the conditions that precipitate them. Musical behavior provides a rich domain in which to study cognitive processes underlying performance. With specialized equipment, methodology, and computer software, we can now precisely measure, analyze,and reproduce music performance. Experiments are described that manipulate the type and amount of information available prior to performance, affecting the mental structures and processes used to plan performance. The distribution and context of production errors provides evidence to test: a) the existence of mental plans prior to performance, b) the mental structures and processes from which performance is organized, and c) interdependencies among mental structures and processes. Additional experiments address changes in cognitive processes accompanying acquisition of skilled performance, and whether or not knowledge of performance plans affects music perception. The mental structures and processes underlying music performance may be based on cognitive principles governing other human performance systems as well.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29MH045764-05
Application #
2246766
Study Section
Cognition, Emotion, and Personality Research Review Committee (CEP)
Project Start
1990-04-01
Project End
1996-03-31
Budget Start
1994-04-01
Budget End
1996-03-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Ohio State University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
098987217
City
Columbus
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
43210
Palmer, C (1997) Music performance. Annu Rev Psychol 48:115-38
Palmer, C; Holleran, S (1994) Harmonic, melodic, and frequency height influences in the perception of multivoiced music. Percept Psychophys 56:301-12
Palmer, C; van de Sande, C (1993) Units of knowledge in music performance. J Exp Psychol Learn Mem Cogn 19:457-70
Palmer, C; Brown, J C (1991) Investigations in the amplitude of sounded piano tones. J Acoust Soc Am 90:60-6