chapter 3: theoretical constructs in motor behavior Flashcards
theoretical constructs (3)
- information processing approach
- ecological approach
- dynamic system theory
information processing theory
-brain receives, processes, and interprets information to send signals to produce a skilled movement
Generalized motor program (information processing theory)
- pattern of movements that are modifiable to produce a movement outcome; set of instructions in brain
- invariant features : cannot modify between attempts (3 invariant features are sequence of actions, relative timing, and relative force)
- parameters: can be modified (muscle selection, overall duration, overall force)
modes of control (information processing approach)
- closed loop control : for long duration, continuous activities; adjustments can be made
- open loop control : more rapid and discrete ; adjustments cannot be made
speed accuracy trade off
-increased speed means less accuracy, and increased accuracy means less speed
ecological perspective
- movement is more complex than simple input - output relays of information from the brain to other systems
- perception: act of attaching movement to something allows us to act with environment in meaningful way
ecological approach is determined by many factors
- internal (goals, capabilities)
- external (environment)
perception in ecological systems approach
-direct perception through affordances and body scaling (using memory storage is not necessary to provide meaning to objects or events)
perception in information processing
-indirect perception (must go through series of steps to act on environment)
affordances
-action possibilities of environment and task in relation to the perceivers capabilities
body scaling
- can modify position by ratio or environment
- how a persons size affects movement pattern pa
parameters
muscle selection, overall duration, overall force
invariant features
- sequence of actions
- relative timing
- relative force
dynamic systems theory
- characterizes movement as self organizing process
- movements are characterized by interactions within various systems and environment
attractor
stable state
-
control parameter
-cause of change in state that causes shift to new attractor state
rate limiter
- cause of negative change in state
- An unexpected power outage causes a person to decrease his or her walking speed and walk with his or her arms extended. The unexpected power outage would be a(n)
phase shift
change in state
constraints
- may discourage or limit certain movements
- may encourage or permit other movements
- can “shape” movement
Newell’s model of constraints
-individual, task, and environmental
individual constraints
- physical/mental characteristics
- structural : due to body structure
- functional: related to behavioral function (motivation)
environmental constraints
- properties of environments (external conditions such as weather, floor)
- physical - external conditions
- sociocultural - social and cultural norms
control parameters
variables that induce shift to new attractor state
-movement speed, injury
constraint model
- movement is constrained by boundaries that limit movement possibilities
- boundaries are the constraints
task constraints
- goals of movement, tasks, and equipment
- Using a smaller ball in throwing practice with 10-year-olds is an example of manipulating what type of constraint
