FAST Psychomotor Coordination and Tracking

Question 1

In a compensatory tracking task, the operator must:

Accepted Answer

Continuously correct the error displayed as the distance between cursor and a fixed reference

Answer

In a compensatory tracking task, the display shows only the error (the gap between cursor and target centre). The operator corrects this error continuously. This contrasts with pursuit tracking, where both cursor and target are visible.

Question 2

Which factor most strongly predicts performance on a manual tracking task?

Accepted Answer

Reaction time and fine motor control

Answer

Manual tracking is a psychomotor task. Reaction time determines how quickly corrections are initiated, and fine motor control determines how precisely they are executed.

Question 3

A tracking target drifts at an unpredictable rate. Compared to a predictable drift, performance will MOST likely:

Accepted Answer

Worsen because predictive correction is no longer possible

Answer

Skilled trackers use predictive control — anticipating target motion to reduce lag. Unpredictable motion eliminates this strategy, forcing purely reactive corrections, which are inherently slower and less accurate.

Question 4

A trainee's tracking score improves from 55% to 85% over ten practice sessions. The MOST likely explanation is:

Accepted Answer

Proceduralization — the task became partly automatic with practice

Answer

Skill acquisition theory predicts that repeated practice causes tasks to proceduralize (become automatic), freeing cognitive resources and improving performance — without any change in external task difficulty.

Question 5

Which type of tracking task is generally harder for novices?

Accepted Answer

Compensatory tracking (only error shown)

Answer

Compensatory tracking is harder because the operator sees only the error — not the absolute position of the cursor or target. This limits the ability to learn target dynamics and prevents anticipatory control.

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

(FAST) Future Aptitude Selection Tool Practice Test

FAST Psychomotor Coordination and Tracking