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Motor Sequence Learning is the study of the cognitive ability to chain various motor sequences together. The most intuitive example of this is learning to play a sequence of notes on a piano. Initially, each note will be played hesitantly while consulting the sheet music for guidance. However, with practice, more and more of the sequence becomes memorised and can be played smoothly. Additionally, sequences that are learned can be transferred to other contexts.

What is the most comprehensive model or description of neurophysiological mechanisms of this cognitive ability?

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In the paper "Control of automated behavior: insights from the discrete sequence production task" a task similar to piano playing is discussed. The task, shown in the figure below, involves a user pressing a key corresponding to visual input.

task description

One of the most interesting results from the paper is, as shown below, after learning, the response times of certain series of movements have lower reaction times. They also seem to be organised in specifically sized chunks.

chunking

The model of how this works is called the Dual Processor Model (DMP), which claims that two processors, one cognitive and one motor, race each other to execute a task. It is only described at a high level and never built into a model.

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  • $\begingroup$ Hi, nice question and answer also. For the more lower level (motor unit) answer, you may want to look at my answer to this question . $\endgroup$
    – Robin Kramer-ten Have
    Jun 17, 2016 at 7:17

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