Directory » DAVID L. WRIGHT
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 davidwright@tamu.edu
 334 GGB
 845-5213
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DAVID L. WRIGHT
Professor
Curriculum Vitae
Practice is a crucial component contributing to skill acquisition and rehabilitation commonly resulting in quicker, more accurate, and less variable motor memories. However, a great deal of evolution of novel motor memories occurs outside of the context of practice. Focus is on describing the nature of and manner in which behavioral and neurophysiological changes occur as a result of practice and non-practice variables with the intent of informing both theoretical and clinical advancement. Recent efforts has focused primarily on the role of consolidation for motor memory development has used behavioral assessment combined with imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., TMS, tDCS) approaches. Professional Experience: Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University (1989-1995)
Associate Professor, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University (1995-present)
Summer School on Connectionist Modeling, Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, Oxford, England (1996)

Education
Ph.D., Exercise Science, Pennsylvania State University (1989)
M.A., Physical Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1986)
B.A., Sport Science & Biology, Crewe and Alsager college of Education (England) (1982)
COURSES TAUGHT
HLTH685. Directed Studies
2008C
KINE213.
2005A
KINE213. Foundations Of Kine
2008C,2007C,2007A,2006C,2006A
KINE213. FOUNDATIONS OF KINE
2020C,2020A,2019C,2019A,2018C
KINE406.
2005B,2004B
KINE406. MTR LEARN & SKILL PERF
2020C,2020A,2019C,2019A,2018C
KINE406. Mtr Learn And Skill Perf
2009A,2008A,2006C,2006B,2005C
KINE482. Seminar In Kinesiology
2009A,2008C,2008A,2007C,2007B
KINE482. Sem: Motor Behavr And Basc
2009B,2008B
KINE482. SEMINAR IN KINESIOLOGY
2020C,2019C,2018C,2018B,2017C
KINE485. Directed Studies
2007C,2007A,2006C,2006B,2006A
KINE485.
2005B,2005A,2004B
KINE491. RESEARCH
2020C,2020A,2016C,2013A,2012C
KINE491. Research
2009B,2009A,2008C,2008B,2007C
KINE640. Motor Skill Learn Perf
2006A,2004C
KINE681. SEMINAR
2016C,2015C,2014C,2012C
KINE681. Seminar
2008A,2005C
KINE682. SEMINAR IN
2013C
KINE684. Professional Internship
2009A,2008C,2008B
KINE684. PROF INTERNSHIP
2018B,2012C
KINE685. DIRECTED STUDIES
2018C,2018B,2018A,2017B,2017A
KINE685. Directed Studies
2008C,2006B
KINE685.
2005B,2005A
FORMER DOCTORAL STUDENTS
Jing Chen (Summer 2018)
Joo Rhee (Spring 2015)
Joshua Joel Edwards (Fall 2012)
Charles Black (Summer 2004)
Sandra Kimbrough (Spring 2000)
Maarten Immink (Summer 1999)
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Journal Articles
Buchanan, J.J, Park, I., Chen, J., Mehta, R., McCulloch, A., Rhee, J., & Wright D. L. (2018). Expert monitoring and verbal feedback as sources of performance pressure. Acta Psychologica, 186, 39-46.
Jo, J.S., Chen, J., Riechman, S., Roig, M. & Wright D.L. (2018). The protective effects of cardiovascular exercise on the interference of proecedural memory. Psychological Research.
Kim, T.m Jing, C., Verwey, W.B., & Wright D.L (2018). Improving novel motor learning through prior high contextual interference training, Acta Psychologica, 182, 55-64.
Buchanan, J.J., Park, I., Chen, J., Wright D.L., & Mehta, R. (2017). Bimanual coordination patterns are stabilized under monitoring-pressure. Experimental Brain Research, 235(6), 1909-1918.
Kim, T., Jing, C., Verwey, W.B., & Wright, D.L. Improving novel motor learning through prior high contextual interference training. Acta Psychologica, 2017 Nov 11;182:55-64. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2017.11.005
Bottary, R. Sonni, A., Wright, D.L., & Spencer, R.M.C. (2016). Insufficient chunk concatenation may underlie changes in sleep-dependent consolidation of motor sequence learning in older adults. Learning and Memory, 23, 455-459
Handa, A., Rhee, J., & Wright, D.L. (2016). The structural relationship between two motor sequences practiced close in time impacts offline facilitation. Journal of Motor Behavior, 48, 47-56
Kim, T., Rhee, J., & Wright, D.L. (2016). Allowing time to consolidate knowledge gained through random practice facilitates later novel motor sequence acquisition. Acta Psychologica, 163, 153-166.
Rhee, J.H., Handa, A., Bhatia, S., Chen, J., Riechman, S., & Wright, D.L. (2016). An acute bout of aerobic exercise can protect offline motor sequence gains. Psychological Research, 80(4), 518-531.
Sidaway, B., Ala. B., Baughman, K., Glidden, J., Cowie, S., Peabody, A., Roundy, D., Spaulding, J., Stephens, R., & Wright, D.L. (2016). Contextual interference can facilitate motor learning in older adults and in individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Motor Behavior, 48(6), 509-518
Verwey, W.B., Groen, E.C., & Wright, D.L. (2016). The stuff that motor chunks are made of: Indications for the adjustment of spatial sequence representations. Experimental Brain Research, 234, 353-366.
Wright, D.L., Verwey, W.B., Buchanan, J.B., Chen, J., Rhee, J., & Immink, M.A. (2016). Consolidating behavioral and neurophysiologic findings to explain the influence of contextual interference during motor sequence learning Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23(1), 1-21.
Baweja, H.S., Kwon, M.H., Onushko, T., Wright, D.L., Corcos, D.M., & Christou, E. (2015). Processing of visual information compromises the ability of older adults to control novel fine motor tasks. Experimental Brain Research, 233, 3475-3488
Verwey, W.B., Shea, C.H., & Wright, D.L. (2015). A cognitive framework for sequential motor performance across various tasks. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 22(1), 54-77.
Verwey, W.B., & Wright, D.L. (2014). Learning a keying sequence you never executed: Evidence for independent associative and motor chunking learning. Acta Psychologica.
Verwey, W., Wright, D., & Shea, C.H. (published online Nov 27, 2014). A cognitive framework for explaining serial processing and sequence execution strategies. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review. DOI 10.3758/s13423-014-0773-4
Boyle, J., Panzer, S., Wright, D., & Shea, C.H. (2012). Extended practice of reciprocal wrist and arm movements of varying difficulties. Acta Psychologica, 140, 142-153
Immink, M.A., Wright, D.L., & Barnes, W.S. (2012). Temperature dependency in motor skill learning. Journal of Motor Behavior, 44(2), 105-113
Wright, D.L., Rhee, J.H., Blischke, K., Erlacher, D., & Brueckner, S. (2012). Offline improvement occurs for temporal stability but not accuracy following practice of integer and non-integer rhythms. Acta Psychologica, 140, 266-273
Buchanan, J.J. & Wright, D.L. (2011). Transfer of amplitudes and timing patterns following observational practice with a multijoint limb task. Acta Psychologica, 136,167-178
Wright, D.L., Rhee, J., & Vaculin, A. (2010). Enhancement consolidation is not restricted to improving motor sequence learning by establishing motor chunks. Journal of Motor Behavior, 42(5), 319-326.
Wright, D.L., Robin, D.A., Rhee, J-H., Vaculin, A., Jacks, A., Guenther, F.H., & Fox, P.T. (2009). Using the self-select paradigm to delineate the nature and cost incurred during speech motor programming. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 52(3), 1-11.
Buchanan, J.J., Ryu, Y., Wright D.L. & Zilhman, K. (2008). Observational learning of relative and absolute motion features in a single-limb multi-joint coordination task. Experimental Brain Research, 191: 157-169.
Maas, E. Robin, D.A., Wright, D.L., & Ballard, K.J. (2008). Motor programming in Apraxia of Speech. Brain and Language, 106(2) , 107-118.
Magnuson, C.E., Robin, D.A., & Wright, D.L. (2008). Sequencing multiple elements of the same duration: Detailing the INT process in Klapp's two-process account of motor programming. Journal of Motor Behavior, 40(6), 532-544.
Buchanan, J.J., Zihlman, K.A., Ryu, Y.U., & Wright, D.A. (2007). Learning and transfer of a relative phase pattern and amplitude ratio in a multijoint task. Journal of Motor Behavior, 39: 49-67.
Badets, A., Blandin, Y., Wright, D.L. & Shea, C.H. (2006). Error detection processes during observational learning. Research Quaterly for Exercise and Sport, 77, 177-184.
Black, C., Wright, D.L., Magnusum, C.E. & Brueckner, S. (2005). Learning to detect error in movement timing using physical and observational practice. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 76, 28-41.
Wright, D.L., Magnuson, C.E., & Black, C.B. (2005). Programming and re-programming sequence timing following high and low contextual interference practice. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 76, 258-266.
Magnuson, C. & Wright, D.L. (2004). Random practice can facilitate the learning of tasks that have different relative time structures. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 75, 197-202.
Magnuson, C., Wright, D.L., & Verwey, W. (2004). Changes in the incidental context impacts search but not leading of the motor buffer. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 57A, 935-951.
Verwey, W.B. & Wright, D.L. (2004). Effector-independent and effector-dependent learning in the discrete sequence production task. Psychological Research, 68, 64-70.
Wright, D.L., Black, C.B., Immink, M.A., Brueckner, S., & Magnuson, C. (2004). Long-term motor programming improvements occur via concatenating movement sequences during random but not blocked practice. Journal of Motor Behavior, 36, 39-50.
Black, C.B., & Wright, D.L., (2002). The influence of Expert and Learning models on the learning of relative and absolute time. Journal of Sport and ExercisePsychology, 24, S34.
Ryu, Y.U., Magnuson, C., Wright, D.L. (2002). Generalized motor program learning: Effect of practice schedule. Journal of Sport and Exercise psychology, 24, S107.
Wright, D.L., Black, C.B., Immink, M.A., & Magnuson, C.E. (2002). Motor programming: Are there costs for transitions between movement elements? Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 24, S134.
Immink, M.A., & Wright, D.L. (2001). Motor programming during high and low contextual interference practice conditions. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 27, 423-437.
Kimbrough, S.K., Wright, D.L., & Shea, C.H. (2001). Reducing the saliency of intentional stimuli results in greater contextual-dependent performance. Memory, 9, 133-143.
Shea, Lai, Wright, Immink, & Black (2001). Consistent and variable practice conditions: Effects on generalized motor program and parameter learning. Journal of Motor Behavior, 33, 139-152.
Wright, D.L., Black, C., Park, J.H., & Shea C.H. (2001) Planning and executing simple movement: contributions of relative and absolute time specification. Journal of Motor, 33, 273-285.
Wright, D.L. & Shea, C.H. (2001). Manipulating generalized motor program difficulty during blocked and random practice does not affect parameter learning. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 72, 32-38.
Black, C.B., & Wright, D.L. (2000). Can observational practice facilitate error recognition and movement production? Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71(4), 331-339.
Lai, Shea, Wulf, & Wright (2000). Optimizing generalized motor programs and parameter learning. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71, 10-24.
Li., Y. & Wright, D.L. (2000). An assessment of the attention demands during random and blocked training schedules. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 53A(2), 591-606.
Park, J., Shea, C.H., & Wright, D.L. (2000). Reduced frequency concurrent and terminal feedback: A test of the guidance hypothesis. Journal of Motor Behavior, 32, 287-296.
Shea, Wright, Wulf, & Whitacre (2000). Physical and observational practice afford unique learning opportunities. Journal of Motor Behavior, 32, 27-36.
Wulf, G., McNevin, N., Shea, C.H., & Wright, D.L. (2000). How does the motor program view challenge the dynamical systems approach to understanding the learning of complex motor skills? International Journal of Sport Psychology, 30, 531-557.
Wulf, G., Shea, C.H., & Wright, D.L. (1999). Moeglichkeiten derEffektivierung des Uebens in der Musik aus der Sicht der motorischenLernforschung. Musikaedagogische Forschungsberichte, S, 208-221.
Anderson, T., Wright, D.L. & Immink, M. (1998). Contextual dependencies during perceptual-motor skill performance: Influence of task difficulty. Memory, 6(2), 207-221.
Immink, M.A. & Wright, D.L. (1998). Contextual interference: A response planning account. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 51A(4), 735-754.
Book Chapters
Wright, D.L., Sekiya, H., & Rhee, J. (2014). Organization of practice. In Papaioannou, A., & Hackfort, D. (Eds)., Fundamental concepts in sport and exercise psychology.
Shea, C.H. & Wright, D.L. (2012). The representation, production, and transfer of simple and complex movement sequences. In M. Williams & N. Hodges (Eds.), Skill Acquistion in Sport: Research, Theory, & Practice. Taylor/Francis. pp. 131-149
Other Publications and Presentations
Rhee J, J Chen, SE Riechman, A Handa, S Bhatia, DL Wright. An acute bout of aerobic exercise can protect immediate offline motor sequence gains. DOI 10.1007/s00426-015-0682-9. 2015.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
The Effects of Cardiovascular Exercise and Sleep on Memory Consolidation: Studying functional interactions between brain plasticity and sleep architecture
Co-I. Quebec Bio Imaging Network (Private)
2018-04-20 — 2019-04-19
Non-Invasive Modulation of the Dopaminergic Midbrain and the Influence on Motor Learning
Co-PI. TAMU T3 (State)
2018-04-01 — 2020-03-31
Catapult Round 2 - Enhancing Learning, Facilitating Health! The Neural Underpinning of Acquiring Maintaining, and Recovering Skills (Funded amount $45,360)
PI. TAMU College of Education & Human Development (State)
2016-05-01 — 2017-05-31
Verifying the Role of the Motor Cortex for the Learning Advantages Reported for Interleaved as Opposed to Repeated Practice Format: A Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Approach
PI. TAMU Office of the Vice President for Research (State)
2016-05-01 — 2017-04-30
Balance Recovery Training for Fall Prevention in Retirement Communities
PI. DHHS-PHS-NIH (Federal)
2014-09-01 — 2018-05-31
A Short Bout of Exercise Reduces the Time Course of Procedural Memory Consolidation
PI. TAMU Office of the Vice President for Research (State)
2010-03-01 — 2011-02-28
Learning and Memory Following Choline Supplementation in Distraction and Distraction-free Learning Environments
PI. United States Poultry & Egg Association (Federal)
2010-01-01 — 2010-12-31
Aging and Learning of Novel Fine Motor Tasks
Co-I (). DHHS-PHS-NIH (Federal)
2008-09-01 — 2010-07-31
Aging and Learning of Novel Fine Motor Tasks
Co-PI (). DHHS-PHS-NIH (Federal)
2008-07-01 — 2013-06-30
Neurobiology of Random Pratice Benefits to Motor Learning and Apraxia Treatment
PI. University of Texas - HSC - San Antonio (State)
2008-07-01 — 2013-06-30
Aging and Learning Novel Motor Tasks
Co-PI (). DHHS-PHS-NIH (Federal)
2008-04-01 — 2013-03-31
Image Based Assessment and Image Guided Acceleration of Motor Learning
PI. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (State)
2007-03-01 — 2008-08-31
Effector Independence in Movement Sequence
Co-PI (). National Science Foundation (Federal)
2002-07-01 — 2004-06-30
AWARDS
Outstanding New Faculty (1991)
EDITORSHIPS
Associate Editor. Frontiers in Movement Science and Sport Psychology (2010)
Associate Editor. Journal of Motor Learning and Development (2015)
Associate Editor. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (2001 - 2007)
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Chair. College Tenure & Promotion Committee. (2010)
Division Chair Committee. HLKN. (2011)