Motor Learning Quiz 3 Attention, Arousal and Visual Search

Attentional Capactiy

Limited and processes series (one at a time)

-can only process so much information at a time

-why we can’t technically multitask well

• environmental and task complexity

• Performer’s Skill Level

• Number of Cues

What are the 3 factors Influencing Attentional Demands

Limited Capacity

If overcapacity, reduced speed or quality of performance

Arousal

A general physiological (nervousness, loss of breath, increased heart rate) and psychological activation

• deep sleep to intense excitement

Optimal Arousal

Peak performance

Inverted U-Theory

The Optimal Arousal Theory is also known as the…

Optimal Arousal Theory (inverted U theory)

relationship between arousal and performance

• Arousal is the driving force

increases, optimal

As arousal increases, performance ____, but only at a ____ level

Cue Utilization Hypothesis

Helps us understand what we are doing

• Changes in attentional focus occur according to arousal levels

• As an individual’s emotional arousal or stress increases, their attention narrows, causing them to focus only on a limited number of cues (environmental signals)

-Zone of optimal functioning

-Perceptual Narrowing

Zone of Optimal Functioning

The range of physiological arousal within which an individual can perform at their peak physical, mental, and skillful ability

Perceptual Narrowing

a developmental process where the brain adapts to environmental experiences, enhancing the perception of familiar stimuli while diminishing sensitivity to less familiar ones.

Broad-External

Attention paid to a large number of cues in the external environment

• Required for open-skilled team sports

Ex: A quarterback scanning the field to see where all his receivers and defenders are located before throwing

Broad-Internal

Attention paid to internal thoughts and images

• Analysis, problem solving, visualizing, and determining strategies

Ex: A coach reviewing the team's strengths and weaknesses to develop a game plan for the second half.

Narrow-External

Focused targeting, which is the ability to block out distractions and focus on specific cues

• Required for target sports

Ex: A batter watching the seams on a baseball as it leaves the pitcher's hand.

Narrow-Internal

Focus on a specific image, thought, or coaching point with few other cues

• A golfer might focus on getting his putt past the hole

Ex: A weightlifter taking a deep breath and focusing on "tightening the core" just before a heavy lift.

• Tactical Skills

• Targeting Skills

• Interpretive Skills

• Quiet Eye

What are the four visual search strategies?

Fixed Targets

Projecting an object that doesn’t move, and the path is relatively predictable

Ex: Shooting a hoop

Abstract Target

The object doesn’t move, but the path of the object moves

Ex: Putting a golf ball (target is fixed (hole), but the path (to the hole) is abstract

Moving Target

Anticipating a location and there is a moving target, anticipating the final place/destination

Ex: Receiver in football