4. Motor development theories

Question 1

Name the 4 theories of motor dev.

Answer 1

Maturational
Biomechanical
Information processing
Ecological

Question 2

Maturational theory:

Answer 2

Gesell and McGraw
- innate process driven by a genetic, biological time clock
- environmental factors = rate of development

Question 3

Bio-mechanical theory

Answer 3

Ruth Glassow
Normative descriptive period (normal maturation)
Biomechanical descriptive period (fundamental skills)

Question 4

Information processing theory

Answer 4

Motor learning and dev = computer-like
- External input received - interpreted - stored = new motor skill
- Memory, attention and feedback mechanisms

Question 5

Ecological theory

Answer 5

Inter-relationship between environment, task and individual
Multiple system (not only CNS)

Question 6

2 branches of ecological perspective

Answer 6

Dynamical systems
Perception-action

Question 7

Explain dynamical systems of ecological theory

Answer 7

Spontaneous, self-organization of body systems = movements
Movement behavior are not hard wired
Multitude of interacting constraints

Question 8

2 parts of perception-action of ecological theory

Answer 8

Affordance
Body scaling

Question 9

Newell’s model of constraints - 3 components interrelated

Answer 9

Individual constraints (structural or functional)
Environmental constraints
Task constrainst

Question 10

Individual constraints - structural vs functional

Answer 10

Structural = body structure changes + change more SLOWLY over time
Functional = behavioural function + change over shorter period of time

Question 11

Define the task constraints

Answer 11

External to the body
Skill specific
- Goal of mvt/activity
- Rules guiding task performance
- Equipment used

Question 12

4 parts of the environmental constraints

Answer 12

Outside the body (properties of the world around us)
Global (not task specific)
Physical (gravity, surfaces)
Sociocultural (gender roles, cultural norms)