The application of part-task training to improve performance in Tetris

Abstract

Part-task training is a technique that involves separating the target task into parts and presenting them during training. This approach has been used to improve performance for people operating in dynamic task environments. The present study investigated the effects of fractionation, a part-task training approach, versus whole-task training to improve performance in the video game Tetris by focusing on an important sub-task element of the game: zoid placement selection. Seventy-eight young adults were trained on Tetris with one of three training regimens: 1) Part-task training with feedback, 2) Part-task training with no feedback, and 3) Whole-task training in which participants practiced the whole game to obtain the highest overall score. Results show that the type of feedback given in this study may not be helpful for learning. Training gains from the different training regimens show that tasks with highly interdependent components may benefit most from whole-task training.