Define Motor Skill
The ability to get to the end result with maximum certainty (not luck) and with minimum energy or time.
What does a standardized test do? what is an example of of one?
make comparisons
eg. IQ, VO2 Max, MCAT
What are the 5 sequential steps used in the scientific method.
1. research question
2. hypothesis
3. collect data
4 analyze data
5. test hypothesis
True or false?
The stages of information processing can occur in any order.
False.
They must happen sequentially.
Reaction time + Movement time = ???
Response time
Compare discrete, serial and continuous skills. Give an example of each.
Discrete: distinct beginning and end points. (eg. darts, light switch, shooting rifle)
Serial: Discrete actions linked together. (ed. hammering a nail, gymnastics routine)
Continuous: No distinct beginning or end. (eg. swimming, steering a cart)
Compare the experimental and differential approach
experimental: Examines variables that influence individual's performance or behavior in a uniform way, usually in lab conditions. Lead to general laws and rules
Differential: Examines differences in abilities of individuals and how they deviate from the average. Important to clinicians and teachers.
What does correlational research do?
establishes relations between variables. (strength + Direction). no manipulation.
Compare serial and parallel processing.
serial: one stream of information
parallel: 2 or more streams of information
When is the foreperiod?
Before the stimulus is presented. Before Reaction time.
What are the benefits and costs of anticipation?
benefits: If done correctly, it can result in RT = 0 ms, and/or action can be done simultaneously or even before the signal
Costs: The signal may not be what was anticipated. Incorrect anticipation can result in more processing activities and longer delays. Could create a biomechanical disadvantage.
Compare abilities and skills
Abilities are inherited, stable and enduring, limited in number. each ability underlies many different skills
Skills are developed and easily modified with practice, are countless in number. each depend on several abilities.
Why is absolute error not used as much?
It does not give directionality
What are the 3 stages of information processing?
stage 1: stimulus identification
stage 2: Response selection
stage 3: response (movement programing)
Time delay due to parallel processing of competing streams of information during the stimulus identification stage is called...?
The Stroop Effect
Explain the Bottleneck hypothesis. (feel free to draw a picture!)
Two stimuli can be identified, but you can only do the one you initially chose as you must finish one action before starting another.
What "evolution" of abilities hypothesis fits the following description?
A person who performs well on one skill, should always produce high levels of performance on another similar skill.
General Motor Ability Hypothesis
What does r2 represent?
What does k2 represent
r2 = Explained variance
k2 = Unexplained variance
Stimulus identification has what kind of processing?
How about response selection?
Stimulus Identification: Parallel
Response: serial and parallel
What are the 5 factors that influence reaction time?
1. The Stroop Effect
2. Number of stimuli
3. Response complexity
4. Stimulus response compatibility
5. Intensity of Stimulus.
Walk us through the entirety of the inverted U principle. Include perceptual narrowing, Cue utilization hypothesis, and optimal arousal levels.
Perceptual narrowing: As arousal levels increase, You can constrict your attentional focus in order to devote more attention to the most relevant stimulus sources.
Cue Utilization Hypothesis: an explanation of error at high and low arousal. low = many cues available but some are irrelevant, selection of the appropriate cue is impaired. High = perceptual narrowing, impaired ability to pick up on other relevant cues.
Think of the two arousal/performance graphs.
Optimal arousal levels depend on person, task and environment.
Fine/complex tasks are optimal at low arousal
Team sports are optimal at moderate arousal
Gross/simple tasks are optimal at high arousal levels
Name all the perceptual motor abilities (4) and the physical-proficiency abilities (3) from grouping of abilities.
perceptual motor abilities: reaction time, manual dexterity, finger dexterity, multi limb coordination
Physical-proficiency abilities: strength, balance, stamina.
True or false?
If r is low, then there is no linear relation.
False
it could also mean that there is a linear relation, but it is weak.
In response selection, you can have one response per ___ milliseconds.
300
What decibels lead to the fastest reaction time and at what decibels do you start seeing diminishing returns?
fastest reaction: 110 Decibels
Diminishing returns: 120 Decibels