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Project Title: |
The influence of processing speed and display resolution on perceptual expertise. |
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Investigator(s): |
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Department: |
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
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Start Date: |
07/2005 |
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Abstract: |
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A long-standing research interest of the PI has been in the description and explanation of expert performance as it occurs in natural, time-constrained perceptual-motor tasks of the type evident in ergonomic tasks such as driving and flying and sport tasks such as those involved in fast ball games. A major goal of this research is to understand the processes responsible for the expert advantage in such tasks, to understand how this advantage develops, and to then use this knowledge to facilitate that rate at which the skills of non-experts can be made more expert-like. One of the primary experimental approaches that has been used to examine the perceptual basis of expert anticipation in sport tasks is progressive temporal occlusion. The progressive temporal occlusion paradigm involves the editing of dynamic visual images (typically filmed from a player’s perspective) in order to provide selective vision to different time periods or events within the actions of an opposing player. Multiple occlusion points are characteristically used so as to form a progressive series of viewing periods (or time windows) within the event of interest. Significant improvement in prediction accuracy across successive occlusion points is taken as evidence for information pick-up from the events contained within the viewing period bounded by these occlusion points. Prediction accuracies superior to chance levels (i.e., superior to 50% in a two-choice prediction task) are also frequently used within this paradigm to provide confirmatory evidence for significant information pick-up. Studies using the progressive temporal occlusion paradigm (e.g., Abernethy & Russell, 1987; Goulet, Bard & Fleury, 1989; Jones & Miles, 1978; Wright, Pleasants & Gomez-Meza, 1990) have consistently demonstrated, across a variety of sports and a variety of different occlusion times, that not only are experts able to anticipate more effectively than novices but they are also capable of picking up useful anticipatory information from early events in their opponent’s movement pattern to which novices are not attuned. In racquet sports, for example, evidence from the temporal occlusion approach has been used to demonstrate that experts are more capable than less skilled players of picking up anticipatory information from the kinematics of events occurring early in the opponent’s hitting action, such as the motion of the arm holding the racquet (Abernethy, Gill, Parks & Packer, 2001; Abernethy & Russell, 1987; Buckolz, Prapavesis & Fairs, 1988; Goulet et al., 1989). These differences may, or may not, be accompanied by differences in visual search patterns, as determined through concurrent measurement of eye movements (or, more strictly, central vision fixation locations). Despite the widespread usage of the temporal occlusion paradigm there are nevertheless some assumptions within both the way the paradigm is used, and the inferences that are drawn from it, that warrant greater scrutiny than has currently been the case. The first, largely methodological issue, is that the typical progressive temporal occlusion technique cannot discriminate between anticipatory information pick-up and overall processing speed as possible explanations of the expert advantage. While superior expert performance on temporal occlusion tasks is generally assumed to be a consequence of earlier information pick-up by experts it remains possible that a generic information processing speed advantage for experts could produce similar findings. Two experiments (Exps 1 & 2) are proposed - the first manipulating the viewing period and the second the display speed - to examine this issue directly. A second issue is that, even with concurrent eye movement recording, it is currently impossible to determine the relative roles of central (focal) and peripheral (ambient) vision in expert perception and in creating the expert advantage. Two additional experiments are proposed that manipulate factors (viz., display resolution, Exp 3; and display luminance, Exp 4) that are known to differentially affect focal and ambient vision to examine this issue. The overall purpose of the project is therefore to extend the existing temporal occlusion methodology to more fully understand the root causes of the expert advantage on anticipatory tasks. |
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Project Title: |
The relationship between expert perception, task constraints and selective information pick-up |
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Investigator(s): |
|
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Department: |
|
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects |
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Start Date: |
01/2006 |
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Abstract: |
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N/A |
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Project Title: |
The relationship between expert perception, task constraints and selective information pick-up |
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Investigator(s): |
|
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Department: |
|
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG) |
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Start Date: |
01/2006 |
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Abstract: |
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To enhance understanding of some fundamental aspects of expert perception. More specifically, the experiments to be undertaken aim to : (1) test the efficacy and generality of the constraints-attunement hypothesis of expertise, developed by Vicente and Wang (1998) to explain expertise in memory tasks, and assess its applicability to another set of tasks in which robust expertise effects have been observed - tasks involving dynamic, predictive behaviour; (2) search for, and identify, specific invariants for the perception and prediction of human movement to which only experts are attuned; (3) to examine, using fMRI techniques, in conjunction with behavioural and biomechanical data, the brain activity underpinning expert perception in a natural task environment so that a process-based account of perceptual expertise can be built; (4) differentiate, as best as is possible, expertise effects from those due to experience. |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Abernethy
A.B., Attention - Focused and divided, In: R.
Bartlett, C. Gratton, & C. Rolf (Eds.), International Encyclopedia of
Sports Studies. |
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Abernethy
A.B. and Farrow D., Contextual factors
influencing the development of expertise in Australian athletes, Proceedings
of the ISSP 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology [CD]. |
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Abernethy
A.B., Muller S., Farrow D., Wallis G. and
Barras N., Dealing with natural constraints: The timing of information
pick-up by cricket batsman of different skill levels., Proceedings of the
ISSP 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology [CD]. |
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Abernethy A.B., Editorial Advisory Board Member, Journal of Sports Sciences 2005-2006. 2005. |
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Abernethy A.B., Editorial Board Member, Current Psychology of Cognition 2005-2006.. 2005. |
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Abernethy
A.B. and Lu
W.W., Gait patterns, In: M. Akay (Ed.), Wiley Encyclopedia of
Biomedical Engineering. |
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Abernethy
A.B., Skill learning and performance III:
Expert perception and its training, Proceedings of the ISSP 11th World
Congress of Sport Psychology [CD]. |
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Abernethy
A.B., Sport expertise: From theory to
practice., Invited presentation to the Applied Sport Expertise and
Learning Workshop, Australian Institute of Sport, |
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Abernethy A.B., Sport expertise: From theory to practice, Sports Coach. 2005, 28(3): 30-31. |
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Abernethy
A.B., The identification and development of
essential attributes for expert sports performance, Invited keynote
presentation presented at the Aspire, Sports Science Congress, |
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Abernethy A.B., Baker J. and CÔté J., Transfer of pattern recall skills may contribute to the development of sport expertise, Applied Cognitive Psychology. 2005, 19: 705-718. |
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Berry J. and Abernethy A.B., Early participation
patterns and expert performance in Australian football., Proceedings of
the ISSP 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology [CD]. |
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Farrow D., Abernethy A.B. and Jackson R.C., Probing expert anticipation with the temporal occlusion paradigm: Experimental investigations of some methodological issues., In: M. L. Latash, Motor Control. Human Kinetics, 2005, 9: 332-351. |
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Jackson R.C., Warren S. and Abernethy A.B., Anticipation skill and susceptibility to deceptive movement, Acta Psychologica. Elsevier, 2006, 123: 355-371. |
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Muller S., Abernethy A.B., Farrow D., Wallis G.
and Barras N., Attunement to constraints: From where do skilled cricket
batsmen pick up information to anticipate a bowler's intent?, Proceedings
of the ISSP 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology [CD]. |
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Müller S.
and Abernethy A.B., Skill
learning from an expertise perspective: Issues and implications for practice
and coaching in cricket, In: J. Dosil (Ed.), The Sport Psychologist's
Handbook: A Guide for Sport-Specific Performance Enhancement. |
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Royal K.A., Farrow D., |
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Royal K.A., Farrow D., Mujika I., Halson
S.L., Pyne D. and Abernethy A.B.,
The effects of fatigue on decision-making and shooting skill performance in
water polo players., Proceedings of the ISSP 11th World Congress of Sport
Psychology [CD]. |
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Researcher
: Barnett A |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Barnett A. and Cerin E., Individual Calibration For Estimating Free-living Walking Speed Using The MTI Monitor, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2006, 38: 287-307. |
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Cerin E. and Barnett A., A Processual Analysis of Basic Emotions and Sources of Concerns As They Are Lived Before and After a Competition, Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 2006, 7: 287-307. |
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Researcher
: Cerin E |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Barnett A. and Cerin E., Individual Calibration For Estimating Free-living Walking Speed Using The MTI Monitor, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2006, 38: 287-307. |
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Brown P., Warner-Smith P. and Cerin E., Using The Experience
Sampling Method To Investigate Experiences Of Time Among Dual-earner Parents In
Australia, 27th Iatur Conference On Time Use Research, |
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Cerin E. and Barnett A., A Processual Analysis of Basic Emotions and Sources of Concerns As They Are Lived Before and After a Competition, Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 2006, 7: 287-307. |
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Cerin E., Leslie E., Owen N. and Bauman A., Applying Gis In Physical Activity Research: Objective And Self-report Measures Of Community 'walkability', And Their Associations With Walking Behaviours, 1st GIS International Conference. 2006. |
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Cerin E., Leslie E., du Toit L., Owen N. and Bauman A., Relationships between measures of land use and walking for transport in the PLACE study, 5th National Physical Activity Conference, Melbourne, Australia. 2005. |
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Cerin E., Taylor L.M., Leslie E. and Owen N., Small-scale Randomized Control Trials Need More Powerful Methods Of Mediational Analysis Than The Baron - Kenny Method, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 2006, 59: 457-464. |
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Cole R., Leslie E., Donald M., Cerin E. and Owen N., Engaging
non-health sector partners: community geatekeepers' perceptions of motivation
and barriers to active transport, 5th National Physical Activity
Conference, |
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Cole R., Leslie E., Donald M., Cerin E. and Owen N., Walking to
school: a potential source of physical activity for parents, 5th National
Physical Activity Conference, |
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Hartel C., Hanrahan S. and Cerin E., Developing The Task And
Ego Orientation At Work Questionnaire, 19th ANZAM Conference, Australian
and |
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Leslie E., Cerin E., du Toit L., Owen N. and Bauman A., Objectively assessing 'walkability' of local communities: using GIS to identify the relevant environmental attributes, 1st GIS International Conference. 2006. |
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Macfarlane
D.J., Bacon-Shone J.H. and Cerin E., Environmental correlates
of physical activity levels needed to promote health in |
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Owen N., du Toit L., Leslie E. and Cerin E., Using Geographic Information Systems To Identify Environmental Correlates Of Walking, 6th International Conference on Walking in the 21st Century, Zurich, Switzerland. 2005. |
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Proper K., Cerin E. and Owen N., Neighborhood And Individual Socio-economic Variations In The Contribution Of Work To Total Physical Activity, Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2006, 3: 179-194. |
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Proper K., Cerin E., Brown W.J. and Owen N., Sitting-time And Socio-economic Differences In Overweight And Obesity, International Journal of Obesity. 2006, doi:10.1038: sj.ijo0803357. |
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Ziviani J., Macdonald D., Jenkins D.,
Rodger S., Batch J. and Cerin E.,
Physical Activity of Young Children, OTJR - Occupation, Participation and
Health. |
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Researcher
: Cheng CH |
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List of Research Outputs |
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McManus
A.M., Cheng C.H.,
Leung M.P., Yung T.C. and Macfarlane D.J., Improving aerobic power
in primary school boys: a comparison of continuous and interval training. , International
Journal of Sports Medicine. |
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Researcher
: Cheung CHJ |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Cheung C.H.J., A Study of Dispositional and Organization Determinants of
Sustained Volunteerism in |
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Researcher
: Chow CF |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Maxwell
J.P., Sukhodolsky D., Chow C.F.
and Wong F.C., Anger Rumination In |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Sit H.P., McManus A.M., Masters R.S.W., Yu C.W., Ling F.C.M. and Chu Y.W., Effects of a school-based intervention program on motivational patterns of children., 23rd Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting. 2005, 23. |
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Researcher
: Jackson RC |
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Project Title: |
Attentional components of decision-making in anticipatory skills |
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Investigator(s): |
Jackson RC |
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Department: |
Institute of Human Performance |
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects |
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Start Date: |
07/2005 |
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Completion Date: |
06/2006 |
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Abstract: |
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N/A |
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Project Title: |
Attentional demands of anticipation in perceptual skills. |
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Investigator(s): |
Jackson RC, Abernethy AB |
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Department: |
Institute of Human Performance |
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
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Start Date: |
07/2005 |
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Abstract: |
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One of the defining characteristics of expertise in skills such as driving a car or returning a tennis serve is the ability to anticipate events from advance visual cues. An extensive body of research has focused on documenting the nature of differences between expert and less-skilled performers in these skills (e.g., Abernethy, Wood, & Parks, 1999; Jackson & Gudgeon, 2004; Poulter, Jackson, Wann, & Berry, under review) and has generated a rich body of behavioural data as well as helping to delineate the visual cues upon which skilled anticipation is based. However, it has not furthered our understanding of the attentional processes underlying skilled anticipation. The importance of this question relates to a growing body of literature which indicates that the tendency for individuals to attend to the step-by-step processes that normally run off automatically is one of the causes of skill failure under stress (Beilock & Carr, 2001). The first step in ascertaining whether a similar process could cause skill failure in perceptual-based anticipatory skills is to gain an understanding of the attentional demands of skilled anticipation. This will also help better inform the debate over the merits of less directive approaches to perceptual training (Farrow & Abernethy, 2002; Jackson, 2003; Jackson & Farrow, under review). To date, only two studies have examined the attentional demands of anticipation. These have produced equivocal findings. On the one hand, Goulet, Bard, and Fleury (1992) found that a concurrent secondary task negatively affected the anticipatory performance of both experts and novices. More recently, Rowe and McKenna (2001) found that performing a concurrent random letter generation task was more detrimental to the anticipatory performance of novice tennis players than their more-skilled counterparts. A limitation of the Rowe and McKenna study is that novice and expert performers responded differently to the secondary task instructions, which may have confounded results. Specifically, there was a tendency for novices to generate more letters than the experts. In addition, neither of these studies used the temporal or spatial / cue occlusion techniques that have proven to be reliable discriminators of expert and novice anticipation (e.g., Abernethy, Gill, Parks, & Packer, 2001). Accordingly, the primary objective of the proposed basic research is to assess the attentional demands associated with performance on temporal and cue occlusion anticipation tests. References not included in Section V: Abernethy, B., Gill, D., Parks, S. L., & Packer, S. T. (2001). Expertise and the perception of kinematic and situational probability information. Perception, 30, 233-252. Abernethy, B., Wood, J. M., & Parks, S. (1999). Can the anticipatory skills of experts be learned by novices? Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 70, 313-318. Beilock, S. L., & Carr, T. H. (2001). On the fragility of skilled performance: What governs choking under pressure? Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 130, 701-725. Farrow, D., & Abernethy, B. (2002). Can anticipatory skills be learned through implicit video-based perceptual training? Journal of Sports Sciences, 20, 471-485. Goulet, C., Bard, C., & Fleury, M. (1989). Expertise differences in preparing to return a tennis serve: A visual information processing approach. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11, 382-398. Rowe, R. M., & McKenna, F. P. (2001). Skilled anticipation in real-world tasks: Measurement of attentional demands in the domain of tennis. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 7, 60-67. |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Farrow D., Abernethy A.B. and Jackson R.C., Probing expert anticipation with the temporal occlusion paradigm: Experimental investigations of some methodological issues., In: M. L. Latash, Motor Control. Human Kinetics, 2005, 9: 332-351. |
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Jackson R.C. and Warren S., 'Selling the dummy': Anticipation and deception in rugby union., International Society of Sport Psychology. 2005. |
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Jackson R.C., Warren S. and Abernethy A.B., Anticipation skill and susceptibility to deceptive movement, Acta Psychologica. Elsevier, 2006, 123: 355-371. |
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Jackson R.C., Ashford K.J. and Norsworthy G., Attentional focus, dispositional reinvestment and skilled motor performance under pressure, Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology. Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics, 2006, 28: 49-68. |
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Jackson R.C., Ashford K.J. and Norsworthy G., Dispositional reinvesment, attentional focus, and performance under pressure., International Society of Sport Psychology. 2005. |
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Jackson R.C., Skill failure and attentional focus: Implications for coaches and performers., Applied Sport Expertise and Learning Workshop: Australian Institute of Sport. 2005. |
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Jackson R.C., Skill learning and performance: Attentional processes and 'choking'., International Society of Sport Psychology. 2005. |
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Poulter D., Jackson R.C., Wann J. and Berry D., Perceptual anticipation and conscious awareness., International Society of Sport Psychology. 2005. |
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Researcher
: Lam WK |
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List of Research Outputs |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Lam W.K., Errorless Learning And
Transfer To Novel Task Variations: A Switch From Implicit To Explicit
Control?, Proceedings Of The 11th Annual Congress Of The |
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Researcher
: Ling FCM |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Sit H.P., McManus A.M., Masters R.S.W., Yu C.W., Ling F.C.M. and Chu Y.W., Effects of a school-based intervention program on motivational patterns of children., 23rd Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting. 2005, 23. |
|
Researcher
: Macfarlane DJ |
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Project Title: |
Establishing
valid criteria to assess levels of habitual activity in |
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Investigator(s): |
Macfarlane DJ |
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Department: |
|
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Small Project Funding |
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Start Date: |
11/2002 |
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Completion Date: |
10/2005 |
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Abstract: |
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To establish uniquely specific criteria using both objective and subjective measurements of free-living habitual physical activity, in order to more accurately classify sedentary, low, moderate, and vigorous levels of activity across a range of Hong Kong male and female students; to simultaneously acquire data from a range of monitoring devices known to reliably measure habitual physical activity (gas analysis, heart ate, accelerometers, pedometers), in order to provide usable data to a wide range of Hong Kong health professionals. |
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Project Title: |
Enhancing elite performance by development of a biofeedback instrumentation system |
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Investigator(s): |
Macfarlane DJ |
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Department: |
|
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Small Project Funding |
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Start Date: |
01/2006 |
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Abstract: |
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In order for an any athlete to try to maximize his/her performance it is essential that the athlete receives appropriate and meaningful feedback. Often this feedback is based purely on the coach’s subjective assessment of the athlete’s performance during visual observations in training or competition (Shakespear, 1980). Such feedback is temporally limited and relies heavily on both the recall ability of the coach and athlete, although it can be aided by video-recording, which itself has the limitation of being time-consuming and somewhat cumbersome for the coach to operate in an active coaching environment. A more ideal coaching tool is to develop an instrumented data-acquisition system based around an ergometer that accurately simulates the athletic event, which not only incorporates on-line data recording as well as providing instantaneous “biofeedback” to the coach/athlete, but can also provide detailed post-hoc analysis. This type of objective assessment using empirically acquired data has the potential to substantially aid the development of sub-elite athletes as well as to fine-tuning the peak performances of elite athletes, but requires the development of specialist hardware and software. This proposal is to extend the development of an existing data-acquisition system (very early development work funded by a HKU new staff member grant in 1994, which was then substantially revised with new hardware/software using an externally funded grant in 2003). In the sport of rowing it is commonly regarded that the leg-drive phase of the rowing stroke is critical to the development of power since it contributes the largest component towards boat velocity (Lamb, 1989). However, certain issues on the leg-drive still remain unanswered within the international community, with a recent expert review of the area (Soper & Hume, 2004) concluding that future research should focus on “the influence of foot-stretcher positions on rowing performance” and “can coaches or selectors use force application profiles to reliably or validly predict a rowers performance”. These are clearly two key research questions that need to be investigated by the international research community in relation to expert rowing performance. From these critical comments we propose to investigate (i) what is the most ideal position of the feet during this leg-drive phase, and (ii) whether the force applied to the seat (owing to the lifting-action of the leg-drive) would serve as a simple and reliable proxy of an efficient rowing technique (coaches often refer to this as the rowers ability to “hang”). This current proposal is to incorporate the addition of specialist hardware and software to an existing ergometer to allow for detailed investigations on the effects of how the position of the foot-stretcher can influence power development, and to determine if the force applied to the seat was an acceptable proxy for effective leg drive and power development using an instrumented ergometer system designed to provide real-time biofeedback to the coach and athlete. |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Cheng
Y.H., Chou K.L., Macfarlane D.J. and Chi I., Identifying the pattern of
physical exercise and determinants contributing to the engagement of physical
exercise among Hong Kong older adults, Final report to the Health Care
& Promotion Fund (#213025). |
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Johns D.P., Ha A.S.C. and Macfarlane D.J., Raising Activity
Levels As A Health Risk Reduction Intervention In |
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Macfarlane
D.J., Applied Exercise Physiologist (Level
3), Sport and Exercise |
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Macfarlane
D.J., Children’s Physical Activity Patterns
And The Implications For Health, In: D Johns, K Lindner, Physical Activity
And Health Of Hong Kong Youth. |
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Macfarlane
D.J., Bacon-Shone
J.H. and Cerin E., Environmental
correlates of physical activity levels needed to promote health in |
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Macfarlane
D.J., Exercise and Obesity: Evidence-based
best practice – the good and bad news., Frontiers in Biomedical Research.
University of |
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Macfarlane D.J. and Bacon-Shone J.H., Levels Of Habitual Physical Activity In Hong Kong Chinese As Assessed By Ipaq (short, Interview). , Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2006, 38: S378. |
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Macfarlane D.J., Chou K.L. and Cheng W.K., The Effect Of Tai Chi On The Physical And Psychological Well-being Of Chinese Older Women, Journal Of Exercise Science And Fitness. 2005, 3: 87-94. |
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Macfarlane D.J., Chou K.L., Cheng Y.H. and Chi I., Validity And Normative Data For The 30-second Chair Stand Test In Elderly Community-dwelling Hong Kong Chinese, American Journal Of Human Biology. 2006, 18: 418-421. |
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McManus
A.M., Cheng C.H., Leung
M.P., Yung T.C. and Macfarlane D.J., Improving aerobic
power in primary school boys: a comparison of continuous and interval
training. , International Journal of Sports Medicine. |
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Researcher
: Masters RSW |
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Project Title: |
Enhancing motor skills through instructional manipulations: is the learner paying attention? |
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Investigator(s): |
Masters RSW, Maxwell JP, Raab M. |
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Department: |
|
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
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Start Date: |
02/2004 |
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Abstract: |
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To conduct a test of the competing theories; to ascertain the validity of external/internal feedback; to establish the process that leads to enhanced performance. |
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Project Title: |
Brief periods of implicit motor learning: Performance advantages or disadvantages? |
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Investigator(s): |
Masters RSW, Jackson C, Maxwell P |
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Department: |
|
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
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Start Date: |
06/2005 |
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Abstract: |
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A number of advantages have been shown for implicit motor learning (see Masters & Maxwell, 2004 for a recent review). These advantages include robustness under (1) secondary task loading (multi-tasking) (2) psychological stress and (3) potentially, physiological stress. Maxwell, Masters, Kerr, and Weedon (2001) suggested that an effective means by which to cause implicit motor learning is to reduce learning errors. They showed that participants learning to play golf in an errorless condition committed significantly fewer errors throughout learning than those in an errorful condition. Not only was performance superior in retention, but imposition of a secondary cognitive load resulted in performance deterioration for errorful learners but not errorless learners. Paradoxically, verbal recall in both conditions was not different, with participants reporting substantial amounts of task relevant declarative information. Access to task relevant knowledge (or metaknowledge) is not expected in implicit learning. Upon closer inspection of their data, Maxwell et al found that error commission in the errorless condition occurred with considerably greater frequency from putting distances greater than or equal to 1 m. From distances of 25 cm, 50 cm or 75 cm few errors were committed. Maxwell et al speculated that hypothesis testing occurred only after the first 150 trials of learning, as the task became more complex. The build up of declarative knowledge, therefore, would be confined to later trials. In order to examine whether this was the case, a second study was devised in which hypothesis testing behaviour was assessed during 150 trials of learning either from 25, 50, and 75 cm consecutively (errorless learning) or from 175, 150 and 125 cm (errorful learning). Following the learning phase, a transfer task was completed from 100cm, in which working memory was again loaded with a secondary tone counting task. Relative to a separate control group who did not perform the secondary task, the errorful learners exhibited significant performance deterioration; conversely, performance in the errorless condition remained robust, consistent with findings from the previous experiment. Fewer rules associated with hypothesis testing were reported by the errorless group, supporting the idea that errorless learners in the first experiment had accrued declarative knowledge only after completing the first 150 trials. Additionally, video analysis showed that fewer visible adjustments to technique were implemented by the errorless group, supporting the idea that they did not test hypotheses over shorter distances. Maxwell et al concluded that participants in the errorless condition of Experiment 1 learned implicitly during the first 150 trials. This implies that initial implicit acquisition of a motor skill allows later performance to take place with little input from working memory despite subsequent accumulation of declarative knowledge. Work in the cognitive literature by Reber, Kassin, Lewis and Cantor (1980) indicates that explicit introduction of rules underlying an artificial grammar structure is detrimental to learning that has previously occurred implicitly. Matthews, Buss, Stanley, Blanchard-Fields, Cho and Druhan (1989), on the other hand, examined various combinations of implicit and explicit learning in artificial grammar learning and found that a performance enhancing synergistic learning effect occurred when participants initially learnt implicitly then explicitly. Matthews et al argued that the superior learning effect was likely to be a consequence of implicit learning mechanisms facilitating the generation of successful hypotheses during the explicit phase. These contrasting findings have not been addressed directly in the domain of motor learning. The objective of the present study will be to replicate Maxwell et al’s findings by explicitly examining the effect of combining explicit motor learning with previous implicit motor learning. |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Masters R.S.W., An implicit approach to skill development in rugby., Hong Kong Rugby Football Union. 2006. |
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Masters R.S.W., Associate Editor, Psychology of Sport and Exercise. Elsevier, 2006. |
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Masters R.S.W., Eves F.F. and Maxwell J.P., Development of a movement specific Reinvestment Scale., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
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Masters R.S.W., Implicit motor learning in an applied setting., In: Farrow, D, Applied sport expertise and learning workshop.. Australia, Australian Institute of Sport, 2005. |
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Masters R.S.W., Implicit motor learning in an applied setting., Australian Institute of Sport.. 2005. |
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Masters R.S.W., Skill learning and performance: Implicit processes, In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
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Masters R.S.W., Symposium Chairman: Skill learning and expert performance: Implicit processes., 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. 2005. |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Lam W.K., Errorless Learning And
Transfer To Novel Task Variations: A Switch From Implicit To Explicit
Control?, Proceedings Of The 11th Annual Congress Of The |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Poolton J.M., Performance Breakdown In
Sport: The Roles Of Reinvestment And Verbal Knowledge, Research Quarterly
For Exercise And Sport. |
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Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Poolton J.M., The effects of errors on cognitive processes during skill acquisition., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Orrell A.J., Eves F.F. and Masters R.S.W., Implicit motor learning of a balancing task, Gait & Posture. 2006, 23: 9-16. |
|
Orrell A.J., Eves F.F. and Masters R.S.W., Motor learning of a dynamic balancing task after stroke: Implicit implications for stroke rehabilitation, Physical Therapy. 2006, 86: 369-380. |
|
Poolton J.M., Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Raab M., Benefits Of An External Focus Of Attention: Common Coding Or Conscious Processing?, Journal Of Sports Sciences. 2006, 24: 89-99. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., Implicit motor learning confers robustness to physiological fatigue., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., The relationship between initial errorless learning conditions and subsequent performance, Human Movement Science. Elsevier, 2005, 24: 362-378. |
|
Raab M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., Improving the 'how' and 'what' decisions of elite table tennis players, Human Movement Science. Elsevier, 2005, 24: 326-344. |
|
Sit H.P., McManus A.M., Masters R.S.W., Yu C.W., Ling F.C.M. and Chu Y.W., Effects of a school-based intervention program on motivational patterns of children., 23rd Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting. 2005, 23. |
|
Researcher
: Maxwell JP |
|
Project Title: |
Instruction, errorless learning and rehabilitation: Taking the spanner out of the works? |
|
Investigator(s): |
Maxwell JP, Beach CL, Masters RSW |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG) |
|
Start Date: |
10/2004 |
|
Abstract: |
|
To determine the remaining qualities of errorless learning and compare them with those of explicit learning; to provide use with a clear understanding of the implicit nature of learning without error and a deeper appreciation of implicit motor learning in general. |
|
Project Title: |
Instruction, errorless learning and rehabilitation: Taking the spanner out of the works? |
|
Investigator(s): |
Maxwell JP |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects |
|
Start Date: |
01/2005 |
|
Abstract: |
|
N/A |
|
Project Title: |
Thr role of attention in exploratory learning |
|
Investigator(s): |
Maxwell JP |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
|
Start Date: |
02/2005 |
|
Completion Date: |
01/2006 |
|
Abstract: |
|
This research will enhance the understanding of the very early phases of skill acquisition and the importance of attentional processes. It will also provide further appraisals of the new analytic methods, statistical analyses, and measurement strategies developed by Kadar and Maxwell. On a more theoretical level, foundations for further exploration of the role of dynamic neural systems in motor learning will be established. |
|
Project Title: |
Anger and aggression in sport |
|
Investigator(s): |
Maxwell JP |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects |
|
Start Date: |
11/2005 |
|
Abstract: |
|
N/A |
|
Project Title: |
Anger and aggression in sport |
|
Investigator(s): |
Maxwell JP, Masters RSW, Sit HP |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG) |
|
Start Date: |
01/2006 |
|
Abstract: |
|
To provide further support for the concurrent validities of English and Chinese language versions of the PASS through a correlational design; to assess predictive validity of the PASS through comparison with observed behaviour; to complete longitudinal observations of athlete behaviour; to validate the use of an emotion control program designed to reduce aggressive tendencies; to evaluate the sensitivity of the PASS to anger and aggression change following an intervention program. |
|
Project Title: |
Antecedents of adolescent school children's aggressive and antisocial behaviours in sport and society |
|
Investigator(s): |
Maxwell JP, Sit HP, Sukhodolsky G |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
|
Start Date: |
03/2006 |
|
Abstract: |
|
Research examining the antecedents of
athlete aggression has led to the development of a number of theories. By far
the most popular models used to examine aggression in sport are
Frustration-Aggression (Dollard, et al. 1939), Frustration-Aggression revised
(Berkowitz, 1993; Baron & Richardson, 1994) and Social Learning Theory
(Bandura, 1973). The Frustration-Aggression theory proposed that frustration
resulted from the blocking of goals or desires and that the build up of
frustration inevitably led to behavioural expression through aggressive
actions. It was the insistence of inevitability that led to the revision of
this theory by, amongst others, Berkowitz (1965). Berkowitz pointed out that
not all people respond to frustration with overt aggression; rather,
situational cues and learned responses contribute to the probability of
aggressive behaviour. Berkowitz (1993) subsequently added cognitive factors
to his model allowing emotional responses and personal motivation to
contribute to the propensity for aggressive behaviour. The role of learned
behaviour is undoubtedly important to the appearance of aggression in sport
and general society (Bandura, 1973) and forms a major component of the
current research proposal. Bandura and colleagues demonstrated that exposure
to a violent model increased the tendency of children to behave aggressively
through imitation of the model’s actions. It is likely that exposure to
violence and antisocial behaviour outside sport will be linked to an
increased tendency and acceptance of aggressive and unsporting behaviours on
the pitch. Individuals who are involved in ‘aggressive’ contact sports may
have a history of violence exposure. This may be particularly true of younger
athletes who are more easily influenced by their environment and behaviour of
peers. Conversely, recent research in |
|
List of Research Outputs |
|
Masters R.S.W., Eves F.F. and Maxwell J.P., Development of a movement specific Reinvestment Scale., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Anger Rumination And Self-reported
Aggression Amongst British And |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Sukhodolsky D., Chow C.F. and Wong F.C., Anger
Rumination In |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Masters
R.S.W. and Lam W.K., Errorless
Learning And Transfer To Novel Task Variations: A Switch From Implicit To
Explicit Control?, Proceedings Of The 11th Annual Congress Of The |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Masters
R.S.W. and Poolton J.M.,
Performance Breakdown In Sport: The Roles Of Reinvestment And Verbal
Knowledge, Research Quarterly For Exercise And Sport. |
|
Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Poolton J.M., The effects of errors on cognitive processes during skill acquisition., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Poolton J.M., Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Raab M., Benefits Of An External Focus Of Attention: Common Coding Or Conscious Processing?, Journal Of Sports Sciences. 2006, 24: 89-99. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., Implicit motor learning confers robustness to physiological fatigue., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., The relationship between initial errorless learning conditions and subsequent performance, Human Movement Science. Elsevier, 2005, 24: 362-378. |
|
Raab M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., Improving the 'how' and 'what' decisions of elite table tennis players, Human Movement Science. Elsevier, 2005, 24: 326-344. |
|
Researcher
: McManus AM |
|
Project Title: |
Exercise testing in normal children and children with congenital heart disease |
|
Investigator(s): |
McManus AM, Yung TC |
|
Department: |
Phy Edu & Sports Sc Unit |
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Children's Heart Foundation - General Award |
|
Start Date: |
09/2000 |
|
Abstract: |
|
To establish norm values for C-P fitness; to establish normative values for C-V function during exercise in children; to assess the impact of PA and inactivity on C-P / C-V function. |
|
Project Title: |
Heart rate
monitors as a motivational tool in physical education in |
|
Investigator(s): |
McManus AM, Masters RSW |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Polar Electro Qy - General Award |
|
Start Date: |
01/2004 |
|
Abstract: |
|
The aim of this project is to use heart-rate monitors as a motivational tool to encourage in children the activity they need for a lifetime of health and well being. The first goal will be to establish whether heart-rate monitors, when used in conjunction with an educational heart health programme, i) have an immediate, short-term effect on markers of motivation of children to be active and ii) whether this results in increased physical activity. A second goal will be to establish whether points i) and ii) above are maintained in the long-term and whether this maintenance is dependent on continued use of the heart-rate monitors. A third goal will be to establish whether increased physical activity, if sustained in the long-term, is sufficient to accrue change in health-related outcomes, such as body composition and aerobic fitness. |
|
Project Title: |
The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ in regulating spontaneous physical activity |
|
Investigator(s): |
McManus AM, Leung FCC, |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
|
Start Date: |
02/2005 |
|
Abstract: |
|
The study is designed to address the
hypothesis that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPAR-δ) inherently
modulates spontaneous physical activity in the up-regulation of lipid
catabolism and thermogenesis. Spontaneous non-exercise activity has been
found to be an important compensatory mechanism against fat gain in humans
who have been over-fed (1), however, how increases in non-exercise activity
are regulated is unclear. Levine et al. (1) observed spontaneous movements in
adults and evaluated what they termed the non-exercise activity thermogenesis
(NEAT). Their work demonstrated that individuals with high levels of NEAT
engendered more energy expenditure and had decreased susceptibility to
adiposity when compared with those individuals with lower levels, even when
both groups were overfed. More recent evidence has demonstrated thyroid
hormone plays a role in the alteration of NEAT (2), and tentative molecular
pathways underpinning this relationship, including uncoupling proteins, have
been suggested. PPAR-δ participates in the up-regulation of energy metabolism
(3) and appears to induce pleiotropic responses in skeletal muscle which
result in an improved metabolic profile and improved athletic performance
(4,5). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors have been substantially
implicated in relation to growth and obesity since synthetic PPAR-δ agonists
revealed PPAR-δ's regulation proficiency on fatty acid oxidation and energy
homeostasis (6). Alterations were subsequently detected in adipose tissue
after targeted disruption of PPAR-δ in mouse (4). Transgenic over-expression
of PPAR-δ in adipose tissue produces obese-resistant mice, even when fed with
a high-fat diet. Recent findings showed that PPAR-δ mediated with
transcriptional cofactor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma
co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) can regulate muscle fiber specification. Muscle
fiber type I was increased and mitochondrial biogenesis occurred after
activation (4). The oxidatively optimised muscle improves endurance capacity,
however, whether it results in increases in spontaneous activity is unknown.
References 1. Levine JA, Eberhardt NL, Jensen MD. (1999) Role of nonexercise
activity thermogenesis in resistance to fat gain in humans. Science, 283:
212-214. 2. Levine JA, Nygren J, Short KR, Sreekumaran Nair K. (2003) Effect
of hyperthyroidism on spontaneous physical activity and energy expenditure in
rates. Journal of Applied Physiology, 94: 165-170. 3. Wang YX, Lee CH, Tieo
S, Yu RT, Ham J, Kang H, |
|
List of Research Outputs |
|
McManus
A.M., Health-related physical activity habits
of |
|
McManus
A.M., Cheng
C.H., Leung M.P., Yung T.C. and Macfarlane D.J., Improving aerobic power
in primary school boys: a comparison of continuous and interval training. , International
Journal of Sports Medicine. |
|
McManus
A.M., The influence of vehicular traffic upon
physical activity in children., Journal of Human Ecology. |
|
Sit H.P., McManus A.M., Masters R.S.W., Yu C.W., Ling F.C.M. and Chu Y.W., Effects of a school-based intervention program on motivational patterns of children., 23rd Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting. 2005, 23. |
|
Vertinsky P., McManus A.M. and Sit H.P., The gendering of physical
education in |
|
Yu C.W., Li A.M., So R.C.H., McManus A.M., Ng P.C., Chu W., Chan D., Cheng F., Chiu W.K., Leung C.W., Yau Y.S., Mo K.W., Wong E.M., Cheung A.Y., Leung T.F., Sung R.Y. and Fok T.F., Longer term follow up of aerobic capacity in children affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). 2nd Prize., The Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Paediatric Society. 2006. |
|
Yu C.W., Li A.M., So R.C., McManus A.M., Ng P.C., Chu W., Chan D., Cheng F., Chiu W.K., Leung C.W., Yau Y.S., Mo K.W., Wong E.M.C., Cheung A.Y.K., Leung T.F., Sung R.Y.T. and Fok T.F., Longer term follow up of aerobic capacity in children affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). , Thorax. British, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & British Thoracic Society, 2006, 61(3): 240-246. |
|
Researcher
: Poolton JM |
|
List of Research Outputs |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Poolton J.M., Performance Breakdown
In Sport: The Roles Of Reinvestment And Verbal Knowledge, Research
Quarterly For Exercise And Sport. |
|
Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Poolton J.M., The effects of errors on cognitive processes during skill acquisition., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Poolton J.M., Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Raab M., Benefits Of An External Focus Of Attention: Common Coding Or Conscious Processing?, Journal Of Sports Sciences. 2006, 24: 89-99. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., Implicit motor learning confers robustness to physiological fatigue., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., The relationship between initial errorless learning conditions and subsequent performance, Human Movement Science. Elsevier, 2005, 24: 362-378. |
|
Researcher
: Poolton JM |
|
List of Research Outputs |
|
Maxwell
J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Poolton J.M., Performance Breakdown
In Sport: The Roles Of Reinvestment And Verbal Knowledge, Research
Quarterly For Exercise And Sport. |
|
Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Poolton J.M., The effects of errors on cognitive processes during skill acquisition., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Poolton J.M., Maxwell J.P., Masters R.S.W. and Raab M., Benefits Of An External Focus Of Attention: Common Coding Or Conscious Processing?, Journal Of Sports Sciences. 2006, 24: 89-99. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., Implicit motor learning confers robustness to physiological fatigue., In: Morris, T, 11th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Sydney Australia, International Society of Sport Psychology, 2005, 11. |
|
Poolton J.M., Masters R.S.W. and Maxwell J.P., The relationship between initial errorless learning conditions and subsequent performance, Human Movement Science. Elsevier, 2005, 24: 362-378. |
|
Researcher
: Sit HP |
|
Project Title: |
Psychological Reversals of Children’s Game Participatory Behaviour |
|
Investigator(s): |
Sit HP, Masters RSW, Kerr H |
|
Department: |
|
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
|
Start Date: |
06/2006 |
|
Abstract: |
|
Children and youth nowadays are being raised in a “cyberworld” where electronic media increasingly shapes their feelings, attitudes and behaviors (Strasburger, 1995). There is widespread concern that electronic media such as television viewing and computer and video game playing contributes to childhood obesity problems. Children and youth on average spend 32 minutes per day playing electronic games (Beentjes, Koolstra, & Marseille, 2001) and the amount of combined video and computer usage exceeds television viewing (Christakis, Ebel, Rivara, & Zimmerman, 2004). There is compelling evidence that the sedentary nature of electronic media is associated with high body fatness and therefore is an important behavioral risk factor for overweight children (Andersen, Crespo, Barlett, Cheskin, & Pratt, 1998; Eisenmann, Bartee & Wang, 2002; Tremblay & Willms, 2003). Other studies, however, report that such an association is weak (Marshall, Biddle, Gorely, Cameron, & Murdey, 2004) and that simply trying to minimize electronic media such as television viewing is not the best intervention strategy to reduce the sedentary behavior of children (Norman, Schmid, Sallis, Calfas, & Patrick, 2005). Numerous researchers have attempted to make use of different physical activity games as effective strategies to develop and encourage children to adopt a more active lifestyle (Kelder et al., 2005). To identify intervention strategies to promote physical activity in children, Finfgeld, Wongvatunyu, Conn, Grando, and Russell (2003) have recently addressed a need to apply Reversal Theory (Apter, 2001, 2005) as a new and emerging approach to understanding human behavior change within the public health field. This theory posits that human personality comprises some relatively fixed personality characteristics or motivational style profiles. These profiles consist of four pairs of motivational states (i.e., telic-paratelic, conformist-negativistic, autic-alloic, and mastery-sympathy), which exist and function in opposing ways. Motivational profiles indicate the amount of time an individual spends in one or its opposing state in a given dyad over time in a general life situation (i.e., metamotivational dominance) or in a particular situation such as sport and physical activity participation (i.e., situational state balance) (Apter, 2001). Previous research demonstrates a close link between one’s dominance or situational state balance and sport participation patterns and motivation (e.g., Kerr, Au, & Lindner, 2004, 2005; Lindner & Kerr, 2000, 2001; Sit & Lindner, 2005, in press). Individuals however will reverse between opposing states in a given dyad depending on the meanings and motives felt in different situations at different times. Reversals can be “triggered” by environmental stimuli (contingent reversals), frustration (not attaining satisfaction in a current state), and satiation (being in the same state for a period of time). A small number of studies demonstrate that psychological reversals occur between a pair of states and are more associated with external events and frustration than satiation (Kerr & Vlaswinkel, 1995; Males, Kerr, & Gerkovich, 1998). These studies however explore only the telic-paratelic dimension in adults during competitive sports event. Although later studies have identified the factors affecting reversals other than in a sports setting (Hudson & Bates, 2000) and examined different motivational profiles (Hudson & Walker, 2002), little is known about the motivational state patterns experienced by children and the factors affecting their reversals between each dyad on sedentary versus active-based game tasks. A question of whether such state patterns and mechanisms of reversals are associated with one’s situational state balance remains unanswered. The purpose of the proposed research is to examine children’s motivational state patterns and the factors affecting reversals between each pair of states on a game (chess) that can be sedentary or an active laboratory game task. Children’s situational state balance in relation to motivational state patterns and reversals during the game tasks will be identified. The work will also establish if there is any relationship between situational state balance and game participatory behavior in children. |
|
List of Research Outputs |
|
Braman R., Lindner K.J., Kerr J. and Sit H.P., Academic performance and metamotivational profile of Hong Kong secondary school students, The 12th International Conference on Reversal Theory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.. 2005. |
|
Ho L.L.W. and Sit H.P., An integration adventure-ship program for children with severe mental disabilities. , The 15th International Symposium for Adapted Physical activity, Verona, Italy.. 2005. |
|
Sit H.P., McManus A.M., Masters R.S.W., Yu C.W., Ling F.C.M. and Chu Y.W., Effects of a school-based intervention program on motivational patterns of children., 23rd Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting. 2005, 23. |
|
Sit H.P., Chow C.K. and Lindner K.J., Involvement of Hong Kong youth in physical activity and sport: Extent, motives and participation factors, In: D. P. Johns and K. J. Lindner , Physical activity and health of Hong Kong youth. Hong Kong, The Chinese University Press, 2006, 105-120. |
|
Sit H.P., Motivating your kids to be physically active. , Invited speech at Tseng Kwan-O Residential Clubhouse, Hong Kong.. 2006. |
|
Sit H.P. and Lindner K.J., Motivational orientations in youth sport participation: Using achievement goal theory and reversal theory, Personality and Individual Differences. 2005, 38: 605-618. |
|
Sit
H.P. and Chen S.H., Motives for sport
participation in elite athletes with physical disabilities. , The 15th
International Symposium for Adapted Physical activity, |
|
Sit H.P., Physical activity and you: From a motivational perspective. , Invited speech at High Table Dinner, Simon K. Y. Lee Hall, the University of Hong Kong. 2006. |
|
Sit H.P., Lindner K.J., Michel G. and Etave E., Reliability of the MSP-C and initial comparison of French and Hong Kong data., The 12th International Conference on Reversal Theory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.. 2005. |
|
Sit H.P. and Lindner K.J., Situational state balances and participation motivation in youth sport: A reversal theory perspective, British Journal of Educational Psychology. 2006, 76: 369-384. |
|
Sit H.P., Tsang J. and Lian J.M., Student Activity Levels, Lesson Context, and Teacher Behavior in Physical Education: A Comparison of Active and Non-active Schools for Children with Mild Intellectual Disabilities, CASE International Conference on Special Education, Centre for Advancement in Special Education, Hong Kong, Jun 2 - 3, 2006. |
|
Vertinsky P., McManus A.M. and Sit H.P., The gendering of physical education in Hong Kong: East, West or global?, International Journal of the History of Sport. 2005, 22: 816-839. |
|
Researcher
: Yu CW |
|
Project Title: |
Immediate and long term blood pressure response to strength training in adolescents |
|
Investigator(s): |
Yu CW, McManus AM, So RCH, Sung RYT |
|
Department: |
Institute of Human Performance |
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Small Project Funding |
|
Start Date: |
12/2005 |
|
Abstract: |
|
Background The increased awareness of the numerous musculoskeletal and metabolic benefits of strength exercise has led to its popularity in adults in recent years. Evidence is now emerging that strength training also improves muscle strength in children and it may be undertaken to enhance their sport performance, rehabilitate injuries, prevent injuries and improve long-term health (AAP, 2001). We have recently shown that strength training not only improved body composition and blood lipid profile in obese children, but also boosted their confidence in coordination and endurance (Sung 2002). Cardiovascular responses of strength training have not been as extensively studied as aerobic exercises. Heavy strength training has been demonstrated to cause large increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the exercise (MacDougall 1985) and therefore may warrant caution, especially for those who are already hypertensive. However, this form of exercise does not cause chronically elevated resting blood pressure and notably it has been shown that 4 weeks or longer of progressive strength training reduces resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a recent meta-analysis. (Kelley 2000) Corresponding studies of the effect of strength training on blood pressure in children have been scant. A few studies in children using intraarterial catheter or sphygmomanometer measurement have shown that cardiovascular responses to acute strength training in children are similar to those in adults: both systolic and diastolic blood pressure rises, with limited changes in heart rate and cardiac output.(Nau 1990, Strong 1978, Laird 1979, Cassone 1981) To our knowledge no data are available on the long-term effect of progressive strength exercise training on blood pressure in children or adolescents. In order to advise children on taking up strength training, we need to have a better understanding of its acute and chronic cardiovascular effects. In this study, we propose to use a validated non-invasive, new device (Portapres) to measure the instantaneous change of blood pressure in children and adolescents who will paticipate in a 3-month strength training class. The accuracy of the Portapres device in measuring continuous, non-invasive blood pressure the finger during stress had been evaluated in patients during increasing levels of bicycle exercise, using simultaneously registered intra-aortic (aortic arch) pressure as a reference (Eckert & Horstkotte, 2002). We will also study the chronic effects of progressive strength training on blood pressure by monitoring their resting blood pressure before, after the 4-month training period, and at 10-month of the program. The purposes of this project are 1) to determine the immediate effect of strength training on blood pressure and 2) the long term effects of progressive strength training on resting blood pressure. References 1.American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Strength training by Children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2001;107:1470-1472. 2.Cassone R, Germano G, Dalmaso S, Corretti R, Astarita C, Chieco P, Corsi V. Evaluation of cardiac dynamics during isometric exercise in young female athletes: an echocardiographic study. J Sports Med 1981; 21:359-364. 3.Eckert S, Horstkotte D. Comparison of Portapres non-invasive blood pressure measurement in the finger with intra-aortic pressure measurement during incremental bicycle exercise. Blood Pressure Monitoring 2002; 7:179-83 4.Kelly GA, Kelley KS. Progressive resistance exercise and resting blood pressure- A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Hypertension 2000; 35:838-843. 5.Laird WP, Fixler DD, Huffiness FD. Cardiovascular response to isometric exercise in normal adolescents. Circulation 1979; 59:651-654. 6.Macdougall JD, Tuxen D, SaleDG, Moroz JR, Sutton JR. Arterial blood pressure response to heavy resistance exercise. J Appl Physiol 1985; 58:785-90. 7.Nau KL, Katch VL, Beekman RH, Dick M. Acute intraarterial blood pressure response to bench press weight lifting in children. Pediatr Exerc Science 1990; 2:37-45. 8.Strong WB, Miller MD, Striplin M, Salehbhai M. Blood pressure response to isometric and dynamic exercise in healthy black children. Am J Dis Child 1978; 132:587-591. 9.Sung RYT, Yu CW, Chang SKY, Mo SW, Woo KS, Lam CWK. Effects of dietary intervention and strength training on blood lipid level in obese children. Arch Dis Child 2002;86: 407-410. |
|
List of Research Outputs |
|
Hau K.T., Sung R.Y.T., Marsh H.W., Yu C.W. and Lau W.C., Factorial structure and comparison between obese and non-obese children’s physical self-concept, In: Marsh HW, Craven RG, and McInerney DM, Advances in self-research 2005. Greenwich, CT, Information Age Publishing, 2005, 2: 257-278. |
|
Sit H.P., McManus A.M., Masters R.S.W., Yu C.W., Ling F.C.M. and Chu Y.W., Effects of a school-based intervention program on motivational patterns of children., 23rd Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting. 2005, 23. |
|
Yu C.W., Sung R.Y.T., So R.C.H., Lui K.C., Lau W., Lam P.K.W. and Lau E.M.C., Effects of strength training on body composition and bone mineral content in children who are obese/overweight., Journal of strength and conditioning research . National Library of Medicine, 2005, 19(3): 667-672. |
|
Yu C.W., Li A.M., So R.C.H., McManus A.M., Ng P.C., Chu W., Chan D., Cheng F., Chiu W.K., Leung C.W., Yau Y.S., Mo K.W., Wong E.M., Cheung A.Y., Leung T.F., Sung R.Y. and Fok T.F., Longer term follow up of aerobic capacity in children affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). 2nd Prize., The Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Paediatric Society. 2006. |
|
Yu C.W., Li A.M., So R.C., McManus A.M., Ng P.C., Chu W., Chan D., Cheng F., Chiu W.K., Leung C.W., Yau Y.S., Mo K.W., Wong E.M.C., Cheung A.Y.K., Leung T.F., Sung R.Y.T. and Fok T.F., Longer term follow up of aerobic capacity in children affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). , Thorax. British, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & British Thoracic Society, 2006, 61(3): 240-246. |
|
Researcher
: van der Kamp GJ |
|
Project Title: |
An investigation of child collision avoidance behavior in simulated road-crossing |
|
Investigator(s): |
van der Kamp GJ |
|
Department: |
Institute of Human Performance |
|
Source(s) of Funding: |
Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects |
|
Start Date: |
07/2005 |
|
Completion Date: |
06/2005 |
|
Abstract: |
|
N/A |
|
Project Title: |
On the development of implicit and explicit learning processes: Prism adaptation in 6- to 12- year-old children |
|
Investigator(s): |
van der Kamp GJ, Maxwell JP, Masters RSW |
|
Department: |
Institute of Human Performance |
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
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Start Date: |
10/2005 |
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Abstract: |
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In recent years, the roles of explicit learning (ie. learning through the accumulation of declarative task relevant knowledge) and implicit learning processes (ie. enhancing skill through the use of non-declarative knowledge while concurrently preventing the accumulation of declarative knowledge) in the acquisition of perceptual-motor skills have been actively investigated in adult populations (see Masters, 2000; Willingham, 1998; Sun et al., 2005). However, when it comes to their roles during childhood there is a paucity of research (Van der Kamp et al., 2003). From an evolutionary perspective, it has been hypothesised that implicit learning processes are age-independent and that children must be capable of implicit learning, ‘because that is what they do’ (Reber, 1992, p. 40). It is thought that children from a very early age can learn implicitly and do so relatively independent of conscious attempts to acquire perceptual-motor skills and without much in the way of conscious knowledge of what they have, in fact, learned. However, without careful empirical research into the (changing) contributions of implicit and explicit processes in perceptual-motor learning during childhood such an argument, although perhaps intuitively appealing, is not entirely convincing. The proposed investigation will therefore examine age-differences in the roles of implicit and explicit processes in perceptual-motor skill learning in children between 5 and 12 years. In the adult literature, a primary means of demonstrating the distinction between implicit and explicit learning processing is the use of verbal protocols to assess the amount of explicit knowledge that is accumulated with improvements in perceptual-motor skill. Obviously, verbalization of explicit knowledge is problematic in children, and even not without contention in adults (Shanks & St. John, 1994). Consequently, a method is needed to assess the distinction between implicit and explicit processes that is not dependent on verbal reports on the side of the participants. In this respect, Willingham (1998) proposed that prism adaptation can serve as a vehicle for investigating the roles of implicit and explicit processes in perceptual-motor learning. He argued that the rate of adjustment in perceptual-motor behaviour during prism exposure is indicative of explicit processes, whereas, the negative-aftereffects after removal of the prisms reflect implicit, unconscious learning processes. The proposed investigation, therefore, explores the expediency of prism adaptation as a vehicle to examine implicit and explicit learning processes in primary school children. |
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Project Title: |
Expertise in visual perception: Exploring the role of action |
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Investigator(s): |
van der Kamp GJ, Abernethy AB, Jackson RC |
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Department: |
Institute of Human Performance |
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Source(s) of Funding: |
Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
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Start Date: |
03/2006 |
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Abstract: |
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Expertise in fast ball sports such as tennis is often characterized as a player seemingly having all the time in the world to make a return action despite the fact that the projectile travels between players in a very short time. It is the expert’s superiority to anticipate the opponent’s intentions that provides a crucial performance advantage over less skilled individuals. It is generally accepted that the expert’s skill in anticipating the opponent’s intentions is acquired through a very extensive experience of watching other players’ actions, which results in a better attunement to more proximal kinematic information produced early in the opponent’s action sequence (e.g. Abernethy & Russell, 1987; Abernethy & Zawi, 2005; Shim et al., 2005). The ‘perceptual experience hypothesis’ has proven very successful (cf. Williams & Davids, 1995). Yet, it is pertinent to note that it emphasizes one side of the coin only. That is, considerations of the role of action in perceptual anticipation have been conspicuously absent. The purpose of the proposed research is therefore to investigate the role of action in skilled perceptual anticipation. A relatively recent framework for the understanding of the relation between perception and action is the common coding hypothesis of Prinz (Prinz, 1997; Hommel et al., 2001). It holds that representations that allow one to perceive the intention of an action are the same as (or even identical to) representations that determine the actual production of an action. The core assumption is that these representations code the perceivable effects of actions. As a result, watching another individual performing an action triggers the perceiver’s representation for the production of that action. Evidence from neuroscience suggests that dedicated neurons may underlie this process. Fogassi et al. (2005), for example, showed that the same so-called ‘mirror’ neurons in the inferior parietal cortex of the monkey brain discharged when the monkeys produced an action as well as when they observed the same action done by the experimenter, but only when the action served the same goal. A similar mirror system may exist in corresponding areas of the human brain (Rizzolatti et al., 2001; Decety & Grezes, 1999). One consequence from the common coding hypothesis is that the perception of another individual’s intentions for action should be mediated by the perceiver’s capability to produce that action her- or himself. That is, the more the perceived action corresponds with the perceiver’s own action capabilities, the better the intentions of the currently perceived actions can be predicted. In recent years, several methods have been developed to test this conjecture. For example, Calvo-Merino et al. (2005) examined whether the perception of another individual’s action is mediated by the action expertise of the observer. They had non-skilled and expert dancers of different styles watch video clips of their own dance style versus the other style. fMRI-data revealed greater brain activity of the mirror system when dancers viewed video clips of the action that they had been trained in. In other words, while all the subjects saw the same actions, the mirror system responded quite differently according to whether they had acquired the actions or not (Calvo-Merino et al., 2005). Knoblich and Flach (2001) provided more direct evidence for the common coding hypothesis. They argued that the prediction of the intention of an action (or its future outcome) may be more accurate when one observes one’s own actions than when one observes another individual’s actions, because in the former case the system that produces the action is the same system that contributes to predicting the action outcome. To test this, Knoblich and Flach had participants view video clips displaying either themselves or somebody else throwing darts. Each clip started with the participant picking up the dart and terminated when the dart left the hand. The participants had to predict the future landing position of the dart. The predictions were more accurate when participants watched themselves than when they saw strangers throwing darts (see also Knoblich & Prinz, 2001; Grezes et al., 2004; Loula et al., 2005). Returning to perception in fast ball sports, we can now ask whether expert’s superiority in anticipating the opponent’s intentions is exclusively due to extensive, sometimes almost lifelong perceptual experience, or whether expertise in action production (i.e. the planning and execution of interceptive movements) in fast ball sports is an additional constraint on skilled perception. To this end, participants will watch video clips of tennis players hitting different strokes. The participants’ task will be to anticipate the action intention of the opponent hitter by initiating different types of stroke dependent on the predicted ball flight (see Shim et al., 2005). In both experiments, the degree of correspondence between the action system of the participant and the opponent hitter will be manipulated (i.e. self versus other, and left- versus right-hander). Following the common coding hypothesis, it is expected that the more the perceived action corresponds with the perceiver’s own action capabilities, the more accurate the intentions of the perceived actions will be predicted. |
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List of Research Outputs |
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Caljouw S.R., van der Kamp G.J. and Savelsbergh G.J.P., The Impact Of Task-constraints On The Planning And Control Of Interceptive Hitting Movements. , Neuroscience Letters. 2006, 392: 84-89. |
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Savelsbergh G.J.P., van der Kamp G.J., Williams A.M. and Ward P., Anticipation And Visual Search Behaviour In Expert Soccer Goalkeepers, Ergonomics. 2005, 48: 1686-1697. |
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Savelsbergh G.J.P., van der Kamp G.J. and Rosengren K.S., Functional Variability In Perceptual-movement Development, In: K. Davids S.J. Bennett K. Newell, Different Perspectives On Variability . Urbana-Champaign, IL, Human Kinetics, 2005, 185-198. |
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Te Velde A.F., van der Kamp G.J., Becher J., van Bennekom C. and Savelsebergh G.J.P., Planning And Control In A Manual Collision Avoidance Task By Children With Hemiparesis, Motor Control. 2005, 9: 417-438. |
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Van Doorn H., van der Kamp G.J. and Savelsbergh G.J.P., Catching And Matching Bars With Different Orientations, Acta Psychologica. 2005, 120: 288-306. |
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Van Hof P., van der Kamp G.J. and Savelsbergh G.J.P., Three- To Eight-month-old Infants’ Catching Under Monocular And Binocular Vision. , Human Movement Sciences. 2006, 25: 18-36. |
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van der Kamp G.J., A Field Simulation Study On The Effectiveness Of Penalty Kick Strategies In Soccer: Late Alterations Of Kick Direction Increase Errors And Reduce Accuracy., Journal of Sports Sciences. 2006, 24: 467-477. |
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