Lec 1 Flashcards
What are the three key characteristics of a skill according to Guthrie (1952)?
A skill is goal-oriented, reproducible with certainty, and efficient in minimizing time and energy.
What is the difference between open and closed skills?
Open skills occur in unpredictable environments (e.g., soccer), while closed skills occur in stable, predictable environments (e.g., swimming).
What are discrete, serial, and continuous skills?
Discrete skills: Clear beginning and end (e.g., throwing a dart).
Serial skills: Sequence of discrete skills (e.g., playing piano).
Continuous skills: No defined start or end (e.g., running).
How is constant error (CE) different from absolute error (AE)?
Constant error (CE): Measures directional bias (signed deviation).
Absolute error (AE): Measures overall error magnitude (unsigned deviation).
What is the purpose of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE)?
To measure performance in continuous tasks by calculating deviations from a target path.
What is the scientific method, and why is it important in motor learning?
A systematic approach involving observation, hypothesis formation, data collection, and analysis to investigate phenomena. It provides a framework for understanding motor learning.
What is an example of an open skill and a closed skill?
Open skill: Playing soccer.
Closed skill: Typing on a keyboard.
Why is minimizing effort a key characteristic of skilled performance?
It enhances efficiency, allowing tasks to be completed with less time and energy while maintaining effectiveness.
How does error measurement help in motor learning research?
It quantifies accuracy and consistency, offering insights into performance improvements and learning progress.
