Motor Learning - Review

Identify the correct definition of motor learning

• A field of science that investigates human movement with the goal of understanding how humans acquire and retain motor skills

• a field of science that investigates a person’s need to control their own life and make their own decisions

• a field of science that investigates the musculoskeletal system and how it produces movement

• a field of science that investigates the stages of thought processing and the implications for sporting movement

Which of the following statements is NOT concerned with the field of motor learning?

• being able to identify the different stages of learning when acquiring a new skill

• understanding how different types of practice can improve decision making

• developing an understanding of how skills can be transferred from one sport to another

• learning how to implement techniques to improve mental skills performance

Answer explanation

Understanding the theories behind motor learning can provide a good indication of what’s required to improve your own skills as an athlete.

Which of the following statements describes a motor skill?

• a movement plan that contains the commands from the brain to the muscles that are needed to perform a motor skill

• a set of movements brought on by reflexes

• an involuntary movement that is not consciously controlled and has no purpose

• a voluntary movement that involves specific muscles to achieve a defined purpose

Which of the following is classified as a fine motor skill?

• Throwing a dart

• Jumping

• Throwing a ball

• Skipping

Which of the following statements does NOT describe a closed motor skill?

• A closed motor skill is stable and predictable.

• An athlete is in control of her actions during a closed motor skill.

• A closed motor skill does not require an athlete to adapt to stimuli.

• A closed motor skill is affected by the environment.

Diving off a block is an example of:

• A continuous motor skill

• An open motor skill

• A discrete motor skill

• A serial motor skill

Which of the following reflects the characteristics of motor learning?

• consistency, persistence, improvement, stability and changeability

• development, flexibility, reliability, permanency and changeability

• consistency, persistence, improvement, stability and adaptability

• development, flexibility, reliability, permanency and adaptability

Which of the following is NOT a stage of Fitts and Posner's stage model of motor learning?

• The associative stage

• The initial stage

• The cognitive stage

• The autonomous stage

Identify the three types of constraints central to the dynamic systems approach to motor learning.

• activity, surroundings and personal

• activity, surroundings and individual

• task, environmental and individual

• task, environmental and personal

Blocked Practice is when:

• A skill is practised under the same conditions

• Several different sets of skills are practised in order that is constantly changing

• Learners repeat an isolated skill for a period of time or a number of repetitions

• A skills is practised in a continuous and constant manner

Answer explanation

There are many types of practices that can be used to improve performance. Depending on your stage of learning, different practices are used more frequently.