chapter 3: theoretical constructs in motor behavior

Question 1

theoretical constructs (3)

Answer 1

• information processing approach
• ecological approach
• dynamic system theory

Question 2

information processing theory

Answer 2

-brain receives, processes, and interprets information to send signals to produce a skilled movement

Question 3

Generalized motor program (information processing theory)

Answer 3

• 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)

Question 4

modes of control (information processing approach)

Answer 4

• closed loop control : for long duration, continuous activities; adjustments can be made
• open loop control : more rapid and discrete ; adjustments cannot be made

Question 5

speed accuracy trade off

Answer 5

-increased speed means less accuracy, and increased accuracy means less speed

Question 6

ecological perspective

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

ecological approach is determined by many factors

Answer 7

• internal (goals, capabilities)

- external (environment)

Question 8

perception in ecological systems approach

Answer 8

-direct perception through affordances and body scaling (using memory storage is not necessary to provide meaning to objects or events)

Question 9

perception in information processing

Answer 9

-indirect perception (must go through series of steps to act on environment)

Question 10

affordances

Answer 10

-action possibilities of environment and task in relation to the perceivers capabilities

Question 11

body scaling

Answer 11

• can modify position by ratio or environment

- how a persons size affects movement pattern pa

Question 12

parameters

Answer 12

muscle selection, overall duration, overall force

Question 13

invariant features

Answer 13

• sequence of actions
• relative timing
• relative force

Question 14

dynamic systems theory

Answer 14

• characterizes movement as self organizing process

- movements are characterized by interactions within various systems and environment

Question 15

attractor

Answer 15

stable state

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Question 16

control parameter

Answer 16

-cause of change in state that causes shift to new attractor state

Question 17

rate limiter

Answer 17

• 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)

Question 18

phase shift

Answer 18

change in state

Question 19

constraints

Answer 19

• may discourage or limit certain movements
• may encourage or permit other movements
• can “shape” movement

Question 20

Newell’s model of constraints

Answer 20

-individual, task, and environmental

Question 21

individual constraints

Answer 21

• physical/mental characteristics
• structural : due to body structure
• functional: related to behavioral function (motivation)

Question 22

environmental constraints

Answer 22

• properties of environments (external conditions such as weather, floor)
• physical - external conditions
• sociocultural - social and cultural norms

Question 23

control parameters

Answer 23

variables that induce shift to new attractor state

-movement speed, injury

Question 24

constraint model

Answer 24

• movement is constrained by boundaries that limit movement possibilities
• boundaries are the constraints

Question 25

task constraints

Answer 25

• 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