Introduction to Motor Behavior Flashcards
The motor development of an infant normally progresses in what direction?
1) heat to toe
2) core to limbs
Do all individuals develop motor skills in the same way?
No, development is similar but still varies across individuals
Is motor development related to other learning domains?
Yes, normally it precedes and supports cognitive and affective development.
what are affective skills?
social skills/interpersonal skills
what are cognitive skills?
thinking skills
what years are considered of “landmark” significance for proper development of motor skills needed for work and play as adults?
2 to 7
Is there any way to predict when a person will develop various motor skills?
Yes, we can make reasonably accurate predictions. Skills are developed on a similar (not identical) timeline and there is an orderly progression that generally holds true.
Are there some individuals who cannot learn motor skills?
No. Everyone can improve, to some degree, motor capabilities through practice.
What are reflexes?
involuntary movement of skeletal muscles
Why does anyone care about reflexes?
1) They serve as a foundation for future acquisition of voluntary movement.
2) They indicate whether or not the central nervous system is functioning correctly.
What age would a child typically begin to walk?
1 year
What age would a child typically begin to run?
1.5 years
What age would a child typically begin to skip?
5 years
Once a child learns a basic locomotor skill, how long before they can perform that skill with mature form?
Normally, about 1 to 5 years. However, with no practice, they may never learn mature form. (think of adults you know who “throw funny” or cannot catch.
What is the general age in which most children start to be able to jump/leap/hop
3 years old
What are the phases of motor learner as defined by Fitts and Posner?
Cognitive - inconsistent, unrythmical, requires full attention
Associative - more purposeful and consistent. Able to focus on key aspects of skill and self correct some errors.
Autonomous - coordinated and extremely consistent. Able to attend to multiple other functions at the same time.
Is shuffling a deck of cards is a gross or fine motor skill?
fine - it uses few small muscle groups. only the hands are moving.
What is an example of a gross motor skill?
Tackling in football, driving a stake with a sledge hammer. Anything using large groups of muscles.
Can all skills can be classified as fine or gross?
no - this is a continuum classification system.
Can all skills can be classified as open or closed?
no - this is a continuum classification system.
Are these skills discrete or continuous: shooting a basketball and catching a fly ball?
discrete - clear beginning and end
When several discrete skills are linked together, wee call it a _____________ skill.
serial
Is running an open or closed skill?
It depends.
If running 50 meters on a track, it is more closed. If running cross country over changing landscape and jockeying for position with other racers, it is more open.
