Exam 1 - Chapter 1 - Part 1 Flashcards
motor behavior
the sub-discipline that primarily stresses the principles of human skilled movement generated at a behavioral level of analysis
includes:
motor learning
motor control
motor development
motor control
the study of postures and movement and the mechanisms which underlie them
theories of motor control must address the “what” and “how” of control
-2 basic sciences contributed in the formation of motor control and learning: neurophysiology and psychology
motor learning
a set of internal processes that lead to a relatively permanent change in the learner’s capacity for skilled performance
theory
a general principle used to explain certain observable phenomena
hypothesis
a tentative statement or explanation for observed events, which can then be tested by conducting a scientific experiment
what makes a good theory
- reflect the real world of humans
- supported by convincing evidence
- explain the past and predict the future
- handle new data and discoveries
- stimulate new research and discoveries
- simplify rather than complicate the world
4 characteristics of human actions
flexibility
uniqueness
consistency
modifiability
flexibility
the ability to recruit different muscles and joints to achieve the same action
uniqueness
no two movements are ever performed in exactly the same way
consistency
temporal and spatial characteristics of movement remain relatively stables from one performance to the next
modifiability
the ability to alter a movement pattern, even as it is being executed
theories of motor control
reflex
hierarchical
dynamic systems
reflex theory
considered to be the fundamental unit of motor control driving all voluntary movement
hierarchical
assumed that all aspects of movement planning and execution are the sole responsibility of one or more cortical centers
dynamic systems
motor behavior results from the interactions of multiple subsystems
hierarchical models of motor control: basic assumptions
all aspects of movement planning and execution are the sole responsibility of one or more cortical centers
father of motor behavior
Franklin Henry
generalized motor program (GMP)
represents the core of the movement
Invariant Features of GMP
(unchanging)
order of events - sequence of events
relative timing - proportion or percentage of the total amount of time required (ratio: A/T)
relative force - proportion ot percentage of the total amount of force required (C c -> difference in size but ratio the same)
Variant parameters of GMP
- absolute timing
- absolute force
- muscle groups
dynamical approach
originated in dynamics of physics - can contain any contacts
1) new spatial and temporal patterns of coordination emerge as a result of the interaction that occurs among the subsystems or components that make up the system as a whole. This process is defined as a self-organization.
movement patterns emerge 3 interactions: -individual -environment -task
2) individuals adopt preferred patterns (of thinking) of coordination (attractors) to enhance stability.
become stabilized
saves energy
promotes learning
3) changes in behavior can occur in a nonlinear and abrupt fashion.
new changes does not follow a linear pattern
4) new movement patterns emerge as a result of scalar changes in one or more control parameters.
driving force behind any changes in behavior
5) the parameters that exhibit the nonlinear changes are identifies using order parameters.
have to measure
ecological approach
- optical properties specific to an affordance can directly trigger action
Affordance - properties of the environment taken with reference to the animal.
- an invariant arrangement of surface/substance properties that permits a given animal particular activity
- perception of information by what offers, invites, or demands of an organism in terms of action
There is a continuous interaction occurring between the processes of perceiving and acting
