FortyFive › Revision notes › IB Sports, Exercise & Health Science › IB Sports, Exercise & Health Science: C.2 · Motor learning
IB Sports, Exercise & Health Science: C.2 · Motor learning
Skill classification, stages of learning, feedback, practice. 3 subtopics, 14 key terms.
In this topic: C.2.1 · C.2.2 · C.2.3
C.2.1Skill classification
Key terms
- Skill
- A learned ability to bring about a predetermined result with maximum certainty and efficiency.
- Open / closed skill
- Affected by a changing environment / performed in a stable environment.
- Discrete / serial / continuous
- Clear beginning and end / linked discrete skills / no clear beginning or end.
- Self-paced / externally paced
- Performer controls timing / environment controls timing.
Skills are classified on continua, not in boxes: gross–fine (muscle groups), open–closed, discrete–serial–continuous, self-paced–externally paced.
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Always justify the position on each continuum with a reason, not just a label.
C.2.2Stages of learning and information processing
Key terms
- Cognitive stage
- Beginners think about every movement; many errors (Fitts and Posner).
- Associative stage
- Practice; movements become smoother and errors fewer.
- Autonomous stage
- Skill is automatic; attention can be paid to tactics.
- Reaction time
- Time from the onset of a stimulus to the start of the response.
- Hick's law
- Choice reaction time increases as the number of possible stimuli and responses increases.
Information processing: input (senses, selective attention) → decision making (memory, perception) → output (movement) → feedback.
The full notes, worked example, interactive diagram and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Hick's law: more choices → longer RT. Use it to explain why disguising your intentions helps.
C.2.3Feedback and practice
Key terms
- Intrinsic feedback
- Comes from within the performer (kinaesthetic sense).
- Extrinsic feedback
- Comes from outside (coach, video).
- Knowledge of results (KR)
- Feedback about the outcome.
- Knowledge of performance (KP)
- Feedback about the quality of the movement.
- Transfer
- The effect of learning one skill on learning another.
Beginners need extrinsic, positive feedback and KR; experts use intrinsic feedback and detailed KP.
The full notes, worked example and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.
Exam tip: Match practice type to the skill (complexity, organization) and to the learner's stage.
← C.1 · Individual differences · C.3 · Motivation →
← All IB Sports, Exercise & Health Science topics