Exam 1 - Chapter 1 - Part 1

Question 1

motor behavior

Answer 1

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

Question 2

motor control

Answer 2

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

Question 3

motor learning

Answer 3

a set of internal processes that lead to a relatively permanent change in the learner’s capacity for skilled performance

Question 4

theory

Answer 4

a general principle used to explain certain observable phenomena

Question 5

hypothesis

Answer 5

a tentative statement or explanation for observed events, which can then be tested by conducting a scientific experiment

Question 6

what makes a good theory

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

4 characteristics of human actions

Answer 7

flexibility
uniqueness
consistency
modifiability

Question 8

flexibility

Answer 8

the ability to recruit different muscles and joints to achieve the same action

Question 9

uniqueness

Answer 9

no two movements are ever performed in exactly the same way

Question 10

consistency

Answer 10

temporal and spatial characteristics of movement remain relatively stables from one performance to the next

Question 11

modifiability

Answer 11

the ability to alter a movement pattern, even as it is being executed

Question 12

theories of motor control

Answer 12

reflex
hierarchical
dynamic systems

Question 13

reflex theory

Answer 13

considered to be the fundamental unit of motor control driving all voluntary movement

Question 14

hierarchical

Answer 14

assumed that all aspects of movement planning and execution are the sole responsibility of one or more cortical centers

Question 15

dynamic systems

Answer 15

motor behavior results from the interactions of multiple subsystems

Question 16

hierarchical models of motor control: basic assumptions

Answer 16

all aspects of movement planning and execution are the sole responsibility of one or more cortical centers

Question 17

father of motor behavior

Answer 17

Franklin Henry

Question 18

generalized motor program (GMP)

Answer 18

represents the core of the movement

Question 19

Invariant Features of GMP

Answer 19

(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)

Question 20

Variant parameters of GMP

Answer 20

• absolute timing
• absolute force
• muscle groups

Question 21

dynamical approach

Answer 21

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

Question 22

ecological approach

Answer 22

• 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