Schmidt’s Schema Theory (Information Processing)

Question 1

What does Schmidt’s schema theory suggest?

Answer 1

Rather than use a structured set of movements to develop skills
the core principles can be taken from an existing motor programme
and then adapted using info from environment and feedback

Question 2

Two parts of a schema

Answer 2

Recall
Recognition

Question 3

Recall schema consists of :

Answer 3

1) initial conditions
2) response specifications

Question 4

Recognition schema consists of:

Answer 4

3) sensory consequences
4) response outcome

Question 5

1. Initial conditions

Answer 5

Where am I?
Information from sporting environment that must be recognised by the schema
May concern position on the court, place of the limbs just prior to the action

Question 6

2. Response specifications

Answer 6

What do I need to do?
Information from the environment used to assess the available options to the performer
E.g. how far away is nearest player and therefore how do I need to pass the ball?

Question 7

Recall schema responsible for

Answer 7

Responsible for initiating movement and happens before action has taken place

Question 8

3. Sensory consequences

Answer 8

Concern use of senses to help guide movement
Info from the senses is used to control and apply the movement to the situation
Kinesthesis

Question 9

4. Response outcome

Answer 9

Schema and motor programme can be updated by getting knowledge of the result of the action
If pass successful, then schema had been successful
If not, adjustments may be made for next time and motor programme is adapted

Question 10

Implications for coaching when using schema

Answer 10

Vary practices
Frequent feedback
Coach to point out where schema can be used
Reinforcement

Question 11

Vary the practices :

Answer 11

Drills can be conditioned 3v2, attack vs defence or without opponents

Question 12

Frequent feedback :

Answer 12

‘Step into your pass to get more power’ is a form of feedback to allow the motor programme to be adjusted

Question 13

Coach to point out where schema can be used :

Answer 13

Transferring a skill from the netball court to the basketball court - this should be highlighted by the coach

Question 14

Reinforcement

Answer 14

Offer praise when the adaptation has been used successfully, encourage further use. This will give motivation to the performer and hopefully enhanced performance