Motivation and information in motor performance: modelling of self-efficacy and knowledge of results interaction in a timing task

BACKGROUND: Despite the literature positing a strong relation between motor performance and self-efficacy, few studies address the phenomenon formally. In this sense, how self-efficacy modulates corrections in a trial-to-trial basis and how the performance that individuals consider to be satisfactory modulate both corrections and self-efficacy are not well understood. AIM: The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a model that relates self-efficacy and performance through a system of difference equations. METHOD: First, we demonstrate the model’s capabilities through constrained simulations. The, to evaluate the model’s grasp of empirical data, we parameterized the model to capture the constant, variable error, self-efficacy and believed satisfactory performance for each individual. RESULTS: The model demonstrates capacity to reproduce these summary results when initial conditions are fed to the system of difference equations. However, we observe features that must be improved and qualitative deviations when individuals demonstrate highly variable behavior. CONCLUSION: The initial results support the current assumptions and included variables in this model.