Chapter 2- Methodology for Studying Motor Performance Flashcards
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classifications of motor skills
-discrete
-serial
-closed
-open
why is it important to classify motor skills
for communication within the field of motor learning
motor behavior depends on ___
the type of skill being performed
can a motor behavior be more than 1 type of skill
yes
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discrete
-has a recognizable beginning + end
-goal-directed
example of discrete skills
throwing, striking a match, shifting gears
-dart throwing: goal is to hit the center hole to get max points
-kicking a ball: goal is to kick ball into net
-striking a match: goal is to light stick on fire
-shifting gears: goal is to go from park to first gear
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serial
-discrete actions strung together
-neither discrete nor continuous
examples of serial skills
-playing piano
-assembly-line tasks
-gymnastics routine
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continuous
-has no recognizable beinning + end
-behavior continues until movement is arbitrarily stopped
examples of continuous skills
-swimming
-steering a car
-tracking
-running
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closed
-environment predictable
-consistent environment
-performer can effectively plan entire movement
-target is displayed for entirety of the task
examples of closed skills
-bowling
-brushing teeth
-writing
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open
-environment unpredictable
-constantly changing environment
-performer cannot effectively plan entire movement
examples of open skills
-returning a punt
-catching a butterfly
-wrestling
in between open + closed skills
environment semipredictable
-steering a car
-fielding a bouncing ball
-carrying a pan of water
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3 important considerations for movement
-ojectivity
-reliability
-validity
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objectivity
-public verification- verified by professionals in the field
-2 observers evaluating same performance arrive at same/similar measurement
-sensitivity of measuring device- objective movements in lab setting
example of objectivity
clearing the high jump bar indicates the capability of the athlete to jump at least that much
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reliability
extent to which the measurement is repeatable under similar conditions
-reliability can also be evaluating correlations between variables (variable A to variable B); measure of stability of a test under different applications
-more trials = more stability of performance = improved reliability
what 3 things can lack of reliability result from
-random technological error (stretch of tape)
-intra-subject variability (attention, fatigue)
-changes in environment (lab studies tend to be more artificial than natural- this minimizes variability of environment)
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validity
extent to which a test measures what the researcher intends to measure
construct validity
the extent to which the measures taken actually reflect the underlying construct of interest
Muybridge
-attempted to look at aerial phases of horses; used 12 cameras to prove that all 4 hooves of the horse left the ground at the same time
-contributed to motion pictures
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kinematics
describes movements of limbs/entire bodies during movement; looks at angles of joints + time relationship between these (location, velocity, acceleration)