Skill Acquisition And Psychology

Question 1

What is the difference between skill and ability, and what are the characteristics of skilled performance?

Answer 1

Skill: Learned action with intent and control.
Ability: Inherited traits enabling skill learning (e.g. coordination).

Skilled performance is:
Fluent
Aesthetically pleasing
Consistent
Accurate
Goal-directed
Coordinated

Question 2

What are the types of skills and how are they classified?

Answer 2

Basic – Complex: Simple actions (jumping) vs. complex (dribbling in hockey)

Open – Closed: Unpredictable (rugby pass) vs. predictable (tennis serve)

Gross – Fine: Big muscle groups (shot put) vs. small movements (snooker shot)

Question 3

What are the stages of the simple information processing model?

Answer 3

Input (senses detect info)
Decision-making (select response)
Output (perform movement)
Feedback (internal or external)
Memory: Short-term = temporary; Long-term = learned, stored
Limited channel capacity: Brain processes one task at a time

Question 4

What are the stages of learning and appropriate feedback?

Answer 4

Cognitive: Beginner → extrinsic & results-based feedback
Associative: Practice phase → mix of intrinsic/extrinsic
Autonomous: Expert → intrinsic & performance feedback

Types of feedback:
Intrinsic (from performer)
Extrinsic (from coach)
Knowledge of results (outcome)
Knowledge of performance (technique)

Question 5

What types of guidance and goal-setting are used in PE?

Answer 5

Guidance types:
Visual (demo)
Verbal (instructions)
Manual/Mechanical (physical support or equipment)
SMARTER goals: Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic, Time-phased, Exciting, Recorded
Used to: Control anxiety, boost motivation, improve performance

Question 6

What are the types of motivation and the role of arousal?

Answer 6

Motivation:
Intrinsic (from within – enjoyment)
Extrinsic (external reward – medal)
Arousal: Level of alertness
Inverted-U theory: Too low/high = poor performance
Fine skills = low arousal; gross = higher arousal

Question 7

What are the types of anxiety and how can they be managed?

Answer 7

Anxiety:
Cognitive (mental – worry)
Somatic (physical – sweating)
Relaxation techniques:
Deep breathing
Mental rehearsal
Visualisation

Question 8

What are the different personality types?

Answer 8

Personality types:
Introvert: Quiet, focused – e.g. archery
Extrovert: Outgoing, team games – e.g. rugby