MOTOR PROGRAMMES

Motor programmes, or skills (also known as procedural memory), are learned patterns of behaviour developed through practice and repetition. They are stored in long-term memory and can be performed automatically, without conscious effort. These skills can be physical, social, linguistic, or intellectual in nature. They play a vital role in complex tasks; for example, in flying, a pilot relies on these automatic skills to control the aircraft, allowing attention to be directed elsewhere. While the motor programmes handle the actual flying, the brain’s central processing can focus on tasks such as radio communication.

Let's analyze the given options:

It is defined as a cognitive heuristic. → INCORRECT. A heuristic is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb used for decision-making, not a learned physical or behavioural skill.

It is classified as an episodic memory. → INCORRECT. Episodic memory relates to personal experiences and events, not skills or learned actions. Motor programmes (skills) form part of our procedural memory.

It is called a motor programme. → CORRECT. A skill learned through repeated practice becomes automatic and is stored as a motor programme (procedural memory).

It is categorized as a sensory reflex. → INCORRECT. A reflex is an automatic, involuntary response (e.g., pulling your hand away from heat), not something learned through practice.