Methodology and Measurement
The term skill can be used in different ways:
Definition of skill E. R. Guthrie (1952). Skill consists in the ability to bring about some end result with maximum certainty and minimum outlay of energy, or of time and energy.
How is the term Ability different than Skill?
Classification of skills: Why is this important?
Gross vs. Fine - dimension of precision
Discrete, Serial and Continuous Skills - to what extent is the movement an ongoing stream of behavior, as opposed to a brief, well-defined action with clearly defined beginning and end points. ?
Open vs. Closed Skills - (Should depend on the stability of the environment).
How would you answer the following questions?
Classification based on object and/or person motion. (Helps to identify where the skill falls on the open-closed continuum):
PPT Slide
Measurement of Skill: Objectivity, Reliability, and Validity
Reliability: The extent to which the measurement is repeatable under similar circumstances
Validity:The extent to which the test used measures what the researcher intends it to measure
Measurement Considerations: Outcome, quality, neurophysiological concomitants
Assume: that S is attempting to achieve some targeted goal, such as producing a particular magnitude of force 50 ft-lbs. on the Cybex. Multiple trials are given and the subject's performance is analyzed by computing the following measures.
A Motor Learning Researcher would compute the following scores:
Constant Error: On average, with regard to sign, how close was the subject to the target?
Variable Error: Measures the inconsistency in performance about one's own mean score
Which athlete would you rather have?
E = Total Variability = "Root Mean Square"
Absolute Error: the average absolute deviation from the target without regard for sign
Absolute Constant Error:
Relationship of Measures:
Comparisons of Error Scores (Target = 50):
Other Measurements:
Continuous Task: Pursuit Rotor Distributions of Responses as Skill Develops
Stabilometer (Measurement of balance):
Speed Measurements (RT): - everything else being equal, the performer who can accomplish more in a given time is more skillful
Reaction Time Can be broken down:
In The laboratory it looks something like:
Measures of a Secondary Task:
Kinematic Measurements: describes movement of limbs/or body without regard to force or mass (Peak Performance System)
Position of body parts can also be determined using levers attached to a potentiometer. Voltage changes are related to the angle of the lever which is attached to a limb
Velocity can be derived by measuring change of position in relation to time (V = (P2-P1) /T):
Acceleration can be derived by assessing the change in velocity (A = (V2 - V1) / T):
Electromyography: Throwing
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