Cognition and Perception in Sports

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to cognition and perception, specifically in the context of sports, aiding in the understanding of the lecture content.

Perception

The process by which we receive and process stimuli from the environment.

Attention

The cognitive process of focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others.

Interconnectedness

The relationship between perception and attention, where attention directs perception.

Subjective Perception

The influence of attention on perception, showing it is not purely objective.

Sensory Modalities

The different senses (e.g., vision, hearing, touch) that shape perception.

Visual Perception

The ability to interpret visual stimuli from the environment, crucial for decision-making.

Foveal Vision

The central area of the retina that provides the sharpest detail.

Peripheral Vision

The type of vision that detects movement and changes in the environment, though less detailed.

Inattentional Blindness

The failure to notice unexpected stimuli when attention is focused elsewhere.

Change Blindness

The failure to detect changes in a scene when attention is not directed at those changes.

Unconscious Perception

Processing stimuli outside of conscious awareness, allowing athletes to react without deliberate thought.

Perceptual Deceptions

Illusions or misjudgments that affect athletes' judgments about depth, speed, or distance.

Selective Attention

The process of focusing on relevant stimuli while ignoring distractions.

Cognitive Flexibility

The ability to quickly adjust focus among various stimuli.

Auditory Perception

The ability to interpret sound cues in the environment that assist athletes in their actions.

Cognitive Load Theory

The concept that the brain has a limited capacity to process information, affecting attention.

Mindfulness

A mental practice that helps athletes stay focused in the present moment and reduces distractions.

Attention Window

The span within which athletes can focus on and track multiple stimuli.

Fatigue Management

The management of attention and focus under physical and mental fatigue.

Perceptual-Cognitive Expertise

The ability to quickly interpret sensory information and make decisions based on it.

Stress and Pressure

Factors that can impair reaction time by narrowing attention.