Chapter 8 - Information Processing

Chapter 8 - Information Processing

1. Ways to process information

   • 3 Stages:
     • 1) Stimulus Identification
     • 2) Response Selection
     • 3) Response Programming
   • Information processing occurs in the initial stages of movement and looks at the ways that information is dealt with
   • Information Processing - "The methods used to deal with information collected by the senses"

2. Information Processing Models

   • Welford Model
   • Whiting Model
   • Display - the sporting environment from which all information is gathered
   • Information is picked up from the display using the senses
   • Selective Attention - "Filtering of relevant information from irrelevant information"
   • Kinaesthesis - "tells athlete about body movements
   • Translatory Mechanisms - Decision making
   • Effector mechanisms - the network of nerves that transport the decision from the brain to the muscles

3. Memory

   • The memory system stores and codes the results of the information processing mechanisms
   • The Short-term sensory store is a temporary storage facility
   • It is necessary to use selective attention to avoid information overload
   • The Short-term memory can only deal with about 7 pieces of information at a time
     • Then passes the information onto the long-term memory
   • Display
     • Receptors
       • Short-term sensory store
         • Selective Attention
           • Short-term memory
             • Long-term memory
   • Coding Information in the long-term memory
     • Coach can make the player practise the task repeatably
       • Offer praise and reinforcement
         • Use punishment to emphasise what not to do
     • Skills are more likely remembered if they are associated with items already stored in the memory
     • Make sessions unusual so the player remembers it
     • Mental Rehearsal - going over the task in the mind
       • Using Chaining
     • Coach should ensure demonstrations are clear and accurate
     • Using Chunking - bit by bit

4. Motor Programme Theory

   • Motor Programme - "a set of movements, stored in the long-term memory, that specify the components of a task or skill"
   • Formed by specific and continued practice
   • Internal & External feedback help to check errors and amend performance
   • Stored in the long term memory
   • Cannot be used in open skills as there would need to be adjusted

5. Reaction, Movement and Response

   • Reaction Time - time from onset of stimulus to onset of response
   • Movement Time - the time from start to completion of the task
   • Response Time - time from onset of stimulus to completion of the task
     • Response Time = reaction time + movement time
   • Influences on Reaction Time:
     • Number of stimuli
     • Experience
     • Gender and Age
     • Performance Enhancing Drugs
     • Stimulus Intensity
     • Fitness
   • Improving Reaction Time:
     • The Single-channel response suggests that a stimulus is processed along a single nerve track and that the brain can only process one stimulus at a time
       • Any subsequent stimuli must wait for the one before to be processed
     • The psychological refractory period suggests that if a second stimulus is presented then an unavoidable delay will occur

Images and files in the map