Understanding Motor Development:

OVERVIEW

Motor Development

Is continuous change in motor behavior throughout the life cycle, brought about by the interaction among the requirements of the task, the biology of the individual, and the conditions of the environment.

CONCEPT 1

Instruction does not explain learning, development does.

CONCEPT 2

The study of motor development in the past was overshadowed by interest in the cognitive and affective processes of development.

Kinesiology interests (exercise phys, biomechanics, etc…) did not gain any speed until the 1970’s.

Compartmentalized view of Human Development

Transactional View of Causation in MD

CONCEPT 3

Development is a lifelong process beginning at conception and ceasing only at death.

CONCEPT 4

Development is age related, but not age-dependent.

Concept 5

Historically, MD has gone through periods that have emphasized various explanations of the development process.

1930’s-WWII – maturational period

1946-1970 – normative/descriptive period

1970 to present – process oriented

Methods to Study MD

Longitudinal – explains behavior changes over time.

Cross-Sectional – measures age related differences.

Mixed-Longitudinal – combines both.

CONCEPT 6

Whereas age-related changes in motor behavior can be studied through cross-sectional research designs, true developmental change can only be studied through longitudinal and mixed-longitudinal designs.

CONCEPT 7

Although chronological age is the most commonly used means of age classification, it is frequently the least valid.

Conventional Chronological Age Classifications

Interrelated Components of Human Development

TERMINOLOGY

Learning-internal process that results in consistent changes in behavior.

Motor Learning-addition of movement.

Motor Behavior-changes in motor learning and development the embody learning factors and maturational processes associated with movement performance.

TERMINOLOGY

Motor Control-deals with the study of isolated tasks under specific conditions.

Motor Development-continuous change in motor behavior throughout the life cycle. Can be studied as process and/or product.