3 - Schema Theory (Schmidt): Motor Control and Learning (1982)

Question 1

Define the Schema Theory (1982)?

Answer 1

The schema theory suggests that rather than use a structured set of movements to develop skills, the core principles can be taken from an existing motor program and then adapted, using some information from the environment and by using feedback from the senses.

Question 2

Give an example of the Schema Theory (1982)?

Answer 2

• For example, the skill of throwing a javelin probably uses a motor programme that is made up of subroutines such as grip, arm action and follow through.
• The coaching points for the javelin throw could be adapted for the use in the goalkeeper throw football.
• Throwing a javelin would be a similar concept to a goalkeeper throwing a ball out to a teammate. But to make these two different skills applicable and precise to their respective sports the grip and arm action may need to be adjusted to suit the sport and situation which they are being used in.
• While the subroutine of the grip is a common concept to both types of throw, the narrow grip on the javelin may need to be adjusted to suit the wider grip on the football.

Question 3

Define and briefly explain the parameters of a schema?

Answer 3

When a schema is used to adapt an existing motor programme, there are four essential processes that must be used to make sure that the schema is effective. A schema has two sections containing two parts each. The four parameters of a schema are as follows;

1) Initial Conditions
2) Response Specifications
3) Sensory Consequences
4) Response Outcome

Question 4

Define the initial conditions of a schema?

Answer 4

Initial conditions is information from the environment that must be recognised before the schema can be used.

• this information may concern the position on the court for example.
• this first part of the schema can be summed up as ‘Where Am I?’.

Question 5

Define the response specifications of a schema?

Answer 5

Response specifications is where the information from the environment is used to assess the available options open to the performer.

• How far away is the nearest player and therefore how far do I need to pass the ball? What type of pass is the best one to use in this situation? for example.
• The response specifications can be summed up as ‘What Do I Need To Do?’

Question 6

Define the recall schema?

Answer 6

The recall schema initiates movement and comes before the action.
- When using the first two parts of the schema, information is used from the motor programme in the memory system and therefore the first two parts of the schema are called the recall schema. The recall schema is responsible for initiating the movement and happens before the action has taken place.

Question 7

Define the recognition schema?

Answer 7

The recognition schema controls movement and happens during the action.
- Once the action is underway the third and fourth part of the schema are used. These are used to control the movement, are used during the action and are called the recognition part of the schema. The recognition schema consists of the sensory consequences and the response outcome.

Question 8

Define the sensory consequences of a schema?

Answer 8

The sensory consequences is information about the feel of the movement.

• For example, the grip on the netball or basketball may be controlled by using the sense of touch, or the strength in the pass may be controlled by the feel of movement during the arm action.
• Information from the senses is used to control and apply the movement to the situation - when a longer pass is needed to move the ball up the court, the arm action would be stronger and the grip firmer.

Question 9

Define the response outcome of a schema?

Answer 9

The response outcome is feedback about the result.

• Hear the schema and indeed the motor programme can be updated by getting knowledge of the result of the action.
• Did the pass reach the intended target?
• If the pass has been successful then the schema has been successful. If not adjustments may be made for the next time and the motor programme is adapted.

Question 10

What are the two parameters of the recall schema?

Answer 10

Initial conditions

Response specifications

Question 11

What are the two parameters of the recognition schema?

Answer 11

Sensory consequences

Response outcome

Question 12

What strategies may a coach use to ensure the schema is used successfully?

Answer 12

• A good way to help a player become familiar with using a schema is to vary the practice conditions. For example in basketball or netball, the pass can be practised using a variety of drills and conditioned games such as 3 vs 2, attack versus defence, or without opposition to encourage the player to continually adapt their approach.
• While such tasks are being undertaken, the coach should offer frequent feedback to the player to ensure that actions and motor programs can be adjusted.
• The coach could offer reinforcement in the form of praise to the player to encourage further use of the schema in other situations.