What does the perceptual trace refer to?

• A. Memory of how a successful attempt feels.
• B. Feedback received during execution.
• C. The sequence of movements.
• D. The overall skill plan.

Answer: (A)

Perceptual trace is the internal memory of how a successful movement feels. It’s formed from the proprioceptive and kinaesthetic sensations you experience during practice, especially after successful attempts, and it serves as a mental reference to guide future performance. When you perform again, you compare current sensations to this remembered feel to reproduce the successful pattern and detect deviations. It’s different from feedback you receive during movement, which is external or intrinsic information you use in real time. It’s also not the actual sequence of movements (the motor pattern) or the overall skill plan (the strategic approach)—it’s the stored sensory memory of the correct feel to help you reproduce it.