Kinesiology 3474A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Motor Skill, Observational Learning, Social Cognitive Theory

• School: Western University
• Department: Kinesiology
• Course: Kinesiology 3474A/B
• Professor: Craig Hall

Document Summary

We repeat and learn the behaviours of those we have observed. Look at what others are doing, and then try to repeat those behaviours. A wide variety of terms, such as imitation, emulation, observational learning, and modeling have been used to describe this process. We will term this process modeling and it can be thought of as how observation of others, or the self, can be optimized to assist the learning of motor skills, as well as to enhance motor skill performance. Usually others, but sometimes it can be yourself. We are interested in modeling because it is one of the most common methods of teaching and learning. Researchers have recently examined why athletes use modeling. They found three reasons (functions): motor skill acquisition and execution a. I. e. , the skill function: develop and execute sport strategies a. i. e. , the strategy function, reach optimal arousal levels and mental states for physical performance a. i. e. , the performance function.