Schmidt's Schema Theory

Question 1

Schema theory

Answer 1

• when we want to develop a skill, if we understand schema theory it can reduce time taken to reinforce skill/learn it
• motor programme theory - criticism is that all movements are pre planned and stored in LTM
• Schmidt believed it was simple than this as it would take too long to recall every motor programme
• he suggested motor programmes can be clustered and are changeable to respond to the situation
• the learger the motor programme that is achieved, the easier it is to adapt to new situations

Question 2

Example of schema theory

Answer 2

• Tennis: performer cant possibly have experienced every type of shot they have to face, but they adapt the required stroke to suit the situation based on previous experience
• Coaching points/sub routines from a javelin throw can be used and adapted for use in GK throw

Question 3

More on schema theory

Answer 3

• rather than using memory and perceptual traces to initiate movement, we store generalised series of movement patterns and adapt them to current situations
• we want to learn new skill recall motor programmes and alter it

Question 4

What is schema

Answer 4

• set of ruels or relationships to help us makee decisions about the movement patterns

Question 5

Schemas are initiated/evaluated by 2 processes…

Answer 5

• recall schema: starts movement
  -> initial: whats going on?
  ->response: whats needed?
• recognition schema: controls and evaluates movement
  -> sensory consequences: how did it feel?
  -> response outcomes: what happened?

Question 6

What sources of info can be used to modify behaviour for recall schema?

Answer 6

• recall: prior to performance, initiates movement
• knowledge of initial conditions: what can you see/hear/feel?
• knowledge of response specifications: what is expected?/what should you do?

Question 7

What sources of info can be used to modify behaviour for recognition schema?

Answer 7

• recognition: following/during movement
• sensory consequences: feedback info concerning performance - instrinsic/kinaesthetic how it felt
• response outcome: comparison of actual and intended outcome/knowledge of results/what happened?

Question 8

Implications of schema on the way we teach skills

Answer 8

• vary practic conditions by changing initial conditions
• realistic conditions
• build up a set of response specifications/movement requirements
• develop as many schema as possible
• frequent feedback
• teach simple skills before sport specifc skills
• challenging and progressive tasks