How imagery changes the performance of a fine motor task

Abstract: Visualizing both the performance and the result leads to a better achievement on the actual task, according to previous research. The purpose of this study is to examine how the visualization of the performance compared to visualizing the result, of a fine motor task, affects the outcome of the task. The outcome is measured in failures and correctly placed domino trays. The first hypothesis suggested both visualizations would give a better outcome, compared to the control condition. The second hypothesis suggested there will be a difference in the outcome, between the two visualization conditions. The third hypothesis suggested specific self-efficacy for the task would be highest for result-visualization. In an experimental intervention study using within-groups design participants (11 women, 9 men, 1 unspecified, M = 24 years, 20-32 years) did two questionnaires (demographic information and VVIQ-test),three domino tasks including the three conditions, and answered some questions regarding specific self efficacy. Through ANCOVA, independent Samples t test, and Pearson correlation,no hypothesis was completely confirmed. There was a significant difference in failures, during different conditions, between genders. The results indicated females in this study benefitted from both visualizations. The visualization-ability for women was significantly higher in this study, compared to men. There was a significant correlation between higher specific selfefficacy and better performance when participants did visualize executing the task. The validity of the domino task and the measurement of specific self efficacy could be discussed.