A theory of motor performance and its applications to preclinical dental skill acquisition.

This article reviews one theory of motor performance that was derived from a large body of research findings. The validity of any theory depends on the extent to which it can generate testable hypotheses. Based on a number of applied investigations in the preclinical setting, several predictions developed from this theory have been supported. These, as well as other, potential applications are discussed and a model of preclinical instruction derived from the theory is presented.