Which type of practice is designed with specific goals to enhance performance?

• A. Blocked Practice
• B. Deliberate Practice
• C. Random Practice
• D. Adaptive Practice

Answer: (B)

Deliberate practice is a highly structured approach aimed at improving performance through specific, measurable goals. This type of practice focuses on honing particular skills rather than simply repeating activities. It often involves identifying weaknesses and working systematically to improve them, enabling individuals to stretch their capabilities beyond their current level. This method is characterized by continuous feedback and adjustment, making it particularly effective for skill development.

In contrast, blocked practice tends to involve practicing the same skill in an isolated manner until it is performed with proficiency, but it may not push learners beyond their comfort zones or encourage improvement in varied contexts. Random practice involves switching between different skills or tasks during a single practice session, which can enhance adaptability but may not have the same targeted focus on specific goal achievement. Adaptive practice tailors the learning experience to an individual's performance level but may not inherently include the structured goal-setting aspect inherent in deliberate practice. Thus, the unique focus on specific goals and improvement makes deliberate practice the most suitable choice in this context.