In 1975, Richard A. Schmidt came up with the “schema theory of discrete motor skill learning.” This theory explains how our brains learn and remember motor skills. According to this theory, when we perform a movement, like a golf swing or throwing a ball, our brains use a general plan called a generalized motor program (GMP). The GMP includes important details like the order of smaller movements, the timing of those movements, and the amount of force we use. These details stay the same even if we change superficial things like how fast we move or which muscles we use.
To adjust our movements to different situations, our brains use two types of “schemas.” The recall schema helps us remember the initial conditions of the movement (like how far we need to throw), the movement parameters (like how much force to use), and what happens when we make the movement (like how far the throw goes). The recognition schema helps us evaluate our movements by comparing the initial conditions, what we feel when we move, and the outcome of the movement.
Schema theory suggests that practicing different variations of a movement helps us learn better than just practicing the same thing over and over. It also says that we can perform new variations of a movement accurately, even if we haven’t practiced them before (Wulf, 2019).
While some parts of schema theory have received strong support from research, like the idea of practicing different variations, other parts have not been as strongly supported, like the idea that certain forces in our movements always stay the same (Shea & Wulf, 2005). Some researchers believe it’s time to develop a new theory of motor learning that includes the good parts of schema theory but also includes new ideas based on new research and thinking.
Schmidt, R. A. (1975). A schema theory of discrete motor skill learning. Psychological Review, 82, 225260.
Shea, C. H., & Wulf, G. (2005). Schema theory: A critical appraisal and reevaluation. Journal of Motor Behavior, 37, 85101.
Wulf, G. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.