Expanded and completely updated, the fourth edition of MOTOR CONROL AND LEARNING: A BEHAVIORAL EMPHASIS is a
comprehensive introduction to motor behavior. The authoritative text frames the important issues,
theories, persons, and research in the field in a readerfriendly way, allowing students to learn the most pertinent
information in the field.
MOTOR CONROL AND LEARNING: A BEHAVIORAL EMPHASIS, FOURTH EDITION, is the only graduate textbook that combines motor
control and motor learning with the indepth details students need in order to understand the topic and distinguish
between different sides of an issue. Authored by two of the leading researchers in the field, the new edition features
an uptodate review of the latest research, more than 400 new references, new figures, and these new features:
Highlight boxes featuring indepth discussion of relevant issues, new topics, and classic research
Selected quotes representing important contributions to the field, interpreted for current and future researchers
Webbased references that support and enhance students' comprehension of the material
The new features and ancillaries make it ideal for students to use as a text and for professionals to access
as a reference. MOTOR CONROL AND LEARNING: A BEHAVIORAL EMPHASIS, FOURTH EDITION is the only text that focuses
specifically on the motor learning and motor control areas of motor behavior. Part I introduces the fields of motor
control and learning. It provides a brief history; explains the tools of motor behavior research; presents the
informationprocessing approach, which is fundamental to understanding how humans think and act; and describes how
attention influences motor behavior.
Part II addresses various factors contributing to the complex whole of the human motor system. It examines the
roles of sensory information and the ways in which information from the environment influences movement behavior;
deals with laws and models regarding speed and accuracy; looks at the coordination needed for more complex tasks;
and addresses factors that make people differ in their skilled behaviors.
Part III addresses performance changes that accompany motor learning. It describes the research methods used for
studying and measuring motor learning; discusses the effects of various conditions under which a learner can practice
motor skills; and examines the empirical relationships and principles concerned with the retention and transfer
of motor skills.
Table of Contents
Part I. Introduction to Motor Behavior
Chapter 1. Evolution of a Field of Study
Understanding Movement
Origins of the Field
Summary
Chapter 2. Methodology for Studying Motor Performance
Classification of Behavior
Basic Considerations in Measurement
Measuring Motor Behavior
Measuring and Evaluating Relationships
Summary
Chapter 3. Human Information Processing
The Information-Processing Model
Three Stages of Information Processing
Anticipation
Signal Detection Theory
Memory
Summary
Chapter 4. Attention and Performance
Types of Attention
Theories of Attention
Attention and Patterns of Interference Among Tasks
Attention and Interference During Movement
Cell Phones, Attention and Driving
Directed Attention in Action
Attention, Arousal, and Anxiety
Summary
Part II. Motor Control
Chapter 5. Sensory Contributions to Motor Control
Vision
Audition
Proprioceptors
Proprioception and Motor Control
Feedforward Influences on Motor Control
Summary
Chapter 6. Central Contributions to Motor Control
Open-Loop Processes
Central Control Mechanisms
Central Control of Rapid Movements
Motor Program Issues
Generalized Motor Programs
Summary
Chapter 7. Principles of Speed and Accuracy
Fitts' Law: The Logarithmic Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off
The Linear Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off
The Temporal Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off
Central Contributions to the Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off
Correction Models of the Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off
Summary
Chapter 8. Coordination
Discrete Tasks
Continuous Tasks
Summary
Chapter 9. Individual Differences and Capabilities
Experimental Versus Differential Approaches
Abilities
Taxonomies
Prediction
Individual-Difference Variables
Summary
Part III. Motor Learning
Chapter 10. Motor Learning Concepts and Research Methods
Motor Learning Defined
Measuring Motor Learning
Designing Experiments on Learning
Some Alternative Methods for Measuring Learning
Issues About the "Amount" of Learning
Importance of Understanding Learning and Performance Variables
Summary
Chapter 11. Conditions of Practice
The Power Law of Practice
Prepractice Considerations
Distribution of Practice
Variability of Practice
Scheduling Practice with Several Different Tasks
Mental Practice
Part Versus Whole Practice
Guidance
Principles of Practice Specificity
Summary
Chapter 12. Augmented Feedback
Classifications and Definitions
Research on Augmented Feedback
Evaluating the Effects of Augmented Feedback
Knowledge of Performance
Knowledge of Results
Theoretical Issues: How Does Augmented Feedback "Work"?
Summary
Chapter 13. The Learning Process
Characteristics of the Learning Process
Two Theories of Motor Learning
Differing Theoretical Perspectives of Motor Learning
Summary
Chapter 14. Retention and Transfer
Fundamental Distinctions and Definitions
Measuring Retention and Transfer
Retention and Motor Memory
Retention Loss
Transfer of Learning
Summary
