5.2 Information processing (Skill)

Question 1

Describe a simple model of information processing.

2.1

Answer 1

Information processing- the system by which we take information from our surrounding environment, use it to make a decision and then produce a response
* input–decision-making– output

Black Box Model- information processing model in which an individual is considered to be a black box into which information flows from the environment. The information is processed in various ways inside the box until it is expressed as observable behaviour (the output)

Question 2

Describe Welford’s model of information processing.

2.2

Answer 2

Welford’s model (1968) includes:
1. Sense organs
2. Perception
3. Short-term memory
4. Long- term memory
5. Decision making
6. Effector control
7. Feedback.

Question 3

How does Welford’s model differ from the black box model?

Answer 3

Question 4

Outline the components associated with sensory input.

2.3

Answer 4

1. The senses relay information about the environment to the brain
2. This information is then interpreted by the brain based on past experiences of similar situations and held in the LTM

Exteroreceptors provide information from outside of the body, about the external environment, like touch, pressure, temperature. Located in the skin, oral cavity, nose, ears etc.

Proprioreceptors: provide information about the position and posture of our body in space. They sense stimuli from the muscles, tendons and joints, as well as from the vestibular apparatus (balance). Located in muscles, joints, tendons etc.

Interoreceptors: sensory nerve ending receptors. provide information about the events in the viscera. E.g receptors sensing blood pressure, plasma osmolarity, blood glucose concentration.

Question 5

What is the detection of a signal dependent on in the signal-detection process.

2.4

Answer 5

Often referred to as the detection–comparison–recognition process (DCR).

Detection of the signal dependent on:

• Background noise: non essential information, anything that is not part of the signal, can be external or internal
• Stimulus Intensity: it may have an impact on whether we detect an important signal or not
• Sense organ efficiency: visual and auditory receptors are the most important in sports. Their efficient may have an impact on signal detection.
• Early signal detection: ability to perceive a signal from only partial information or pattern recognition
• Improving signal detection: by selective attention (block out irrelevant stimuli), can be improved through learning

Question 6

Explain the Signal Detection Process

2.4

Answer 6

Question 7

Distinguish between the characteristics of short-term sensory store, short-term memory and long-term memory.

2.5

Question 8

Discuss the relationship between selective attention and memory.

2.6

Question 9

Compare different methods of memory improvement.

2.7

Question 10

Define the term response time.

2.8

Answer 10

Response time- time from the introduction of a stimulus to the complete of the action required to deal with the problem

• Response time = reaction time + movement time

Question 11

Outline factors that determine response time.

2.9

Question 12

Evaluate the concept of the psychological refractory period (PRP).

2.10

Question 13

Describe a motor programme.

2.11

Question 14

Compare motor programmes from both open and closed loop perspectives.

2.12

Question 15

Outline the role of feedback in information processing models.

2.13

Question 16

Outline the role of feedback with the learning process.

2.14