theories of motor behaviour

Question 1

what are the 2 main theories of motor behaviour

Answer 1

1. information processing theory
2. dynamical system theory

Question 2

what is the information processing theory

Answer 2

goal directed actions are the result of higher-order processing (motor programs)

Question 3

what are the components of the higher order processing (motor programs)

Answer 3

feedforward
-sensory identification and response selection and programming
feedback component
-action initiated and results used for new input

Question 4

what is the evidence that supports information processing theory (motor programs)

Answer 4

1. increase reaction time with increased complexity
2. triphasic muscle activation pattern during blocked movements
3. facilitation and interference from previously executed actions

Question 5

how does the evidence support motor programs

Answer 5

we pre-program entire movement before we begin to execute it

Question 6

evidence against motor programs

Answer 6

-movement variability and novel actions
-degrees of freedom problem
-storage problem

Question 7

how does movement variability challenge motor programs

Answer 7

different movements can achieve same goal

Question 8

how do novel actions challenge motor programs

Answer 8

how can we perform action we’ve never done before if we preplan every movement

Question 9

how does the degree of freedom problem challenge motor programs

Answer 9

more DOF controlled then needed to describe movement - how can all degrees that need to be controlled for action be stored in a single motor program

Question 10

how does storage problem challenge motor programs

Answer 10

limited capacity of CNS - how can all programs be stored

Question 11

what is the dynamical systems theory

Answer 11

movement occurs through process of self-organization in which degrees of freedom are controlled and behaviours arise through interactions between constraints of human system and environment

Question 12

what are constraints in the dynamical systems theory

Answer 12

factor that limits possible actions (limits degrees of freedom)

Question 13

what is an affordance

Answer 13

actionability of something - what action it permits

Question 14

what is a order parameter in dynamical systems

Answer 14

observable behaviour state (movement pattern)

Question 15

what is a control parameter in dynamical systems

Answer 15

external influences that move the body through a series of order parameters (stable states)

Question 16

what is potential in dynamical systems

Answer 16

probability that a single order parameter will emerge

Question 17

what is a attractor state in dynamical systems

Answer 17

order parameters with the highest potential (greatest accuracy and stability)

Question 18

what is the evidence in support of dynamical systems theory

Answer 18

-explains spontaneous transitions between movement patterns
-no need from storage of large numbers of motor programs
-self organization allows from novel movements to be generated

Question 19

what are the problems with dynamical systems theory

Answer 19

• doesn’t explain voluntary movement or triphasic muscle activation during blocked actions